Upsate NY Real Estate Questions

[Philip Tretola]

I am have finally decided to take the first steps in real estate investing and am looking for some advice / tips in terms of areas to focus on please (or anything else a seasoned investor may offer).  I am based in northern NJ, but primarily looking at areas in upstate and western NY (specifically, Buffalo, Ithaca, Albany and Rochester).  Specifically, I am looking to invest in 2 - 4 unit homes, in the less than 400k price range.  I am mainly looking for cash flow, appreciation would also be great, but not the main focus.

So my questions are:

1) Would anyone who has had success in any of the NY state markets have time to chat to discuss their experiences in their respective market?
2) What kind of cap-rates/COC returns have experienced/successful investors in these markets expereiced?
3) Are there any contacts in these markets who are knoledgeable and I should reach out?

Thank you so much to anyone gracious enough to offer their time and help!