Workforce class C housing in NYC ranges from $50k -$200k+/door.Not sure what type of capital you have, patient or fund equity... however a lot of owners in NYC are basically buying the dirt and/or are buying as legacy assets and capitalize on the appreciation. 

As I’ve been patiently waiting to close on the property before quitting my job, I couldn’t wait long enough so now I’m left unemployed still trying to buy a 40k SF property.

Eventually everything will be fixed or he will move out, be patient.

Be patient and find the right tenant. 

And be patient with sellers when you're trying for seller financing.

Just curious, mostly because I'm not the most patient person - how long did it take you guys to be at a level you're comfortable with?

Be patient, remember it is the tortoise who wins the race.  

You can save a lot of money, however their process is longer and you have to be patient lol.

Find an Real Estate agent that already owns rental, be patient and buy by the numbers (use BiggerPockets calculators or the equivalent). 

We have to constantly remind ourselves to be patient, we have unit one and it is going very well, just passed a year with it as owners and STR managers (And cleaners!)