I even try to unsell them on the business by sharing my financial losses, litigation,  market shifts, permit purgatory, shady contractors,  clouded title issues,  paranormal activity, squatters, mold, etc.

Since the properties are in New York you have a few extra steps you need to do to keep all of your funds out of NYs hands at closing.Here's an interesting BP thread on the South Carolina property tax issue you mentioned. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/725/topics/604427-south.... 

One thing to consider on the credit card option is that a lot of contractors don’t accept them so that could be an issue.

@Rachel Jane a lot of issues here to consider:1) Does the condo association even allow rentals?

I don't know what the issue is/was, but I think a lot of customers want to play games and he probably did his best to keep them on the straight and narrow. 

Best to call city hall for the town you are buying in to see what if any rent control rules are in place. see link below if you require additional information and call the Jersey City Landlord Tenant relations office. https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/HousingAndDevelopment/...Jersey City CPI chart on recommended rent increases: https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server...The state with the highest eviction rate in the country right now is South Carolina. 

My issue is finding the right opportunity being that I'm in a high COL area.

small portion" of profit is not worth the possible legal issues.

But I can always ask listing agent to send the link to me.Usually I am analyzing 2-3 disclosures every other week before I even visit the property.

I hope this is a smooth process and I can remove them without any issues.