Does anyone have experience in Subject To / Seller Financing in NYC?

Well said information, and from my experiences in Texas, there is an understanding that Tenants absolutely have rights, but it's the OWNER'S property first and foremost. 

Sadly, in those cases, sharing my knowledge and experience might not be enough indeed.

Your biggest obstacle is that you are young and have no experience.

I'm curious about your experiences with tiered commission structures for listing agent  – do you use them, and how do they work for you?

you are not alone nor dumb, i read an American study that 40% of home flippers lose or only break even on their projects. please talk to an attorney with bankruptcy and real estate experience before filing as could have long term complications.

Glad to hear from someone with firsthand experience.

I am looking for an agent who has experience with working with investors and who knows the area well (rents, desirable areas vs. undesirable areas, etc).

Once he retires I'll switch to option B as I will have even more experience with this. 

I don't claim to have a crystal ball to give a time frame, but I think in the next 7 years we should experience a better market (at least to some degree), giving you a chance to refinance into lower rates if you wish.No point in locking in a 30-year fixed when the rates aren't incredible to begin with.