You saved the best for last then. Lookout Bight is the closest thing we have in NC to the Bahamas. You can
anchor close to shore just inside the bight. Whelk shells by the thousands, sea turtles, dolphins. It's a paradise. You're going to love it. I'm sure you've already been well briefed on these two spots by people you've met here, but I have to say that Ocracoke is like something out of a book. The people who live there can be kind of clannish, but give them time and space and they'll accept you just fine. Once you get to friends with one of them, you are like member of the family. Sad thing is, the real estate values have driven up property taxes so much that a lot of families that lived there for generations have been forced to sell out, so there is a little bit of resentment towards "outsiders". Nothing bad, they are just a little stand offish. It's a great place to go. Once you go there you won't want to leave. If you are still looking for work and you aren't too choosy, I think Washington would be a good "base". The waterfront is right downtown and there could be opportunities within easy walking distance. Good luck to you.