Scranton area seems to be a lot more landlord friendly than New York is, and the numbers seem better as well, Section 8 seems appealing for the guaranteed income but I will definitely take that information under consideration as I’m looking to invest in the area. 

Make small talk, learn about them, show you are truly interested in them as a friend.

Try Ethan Whitley with Crye-Leike Realtors, he is good friend and does alot of commercial in the area.

While I agree with all your points (especially the unconstitutional eviction moratorium), selling means you will a) get hit with huge capital gains taxes (my friend just sold his 5-unit and got hit with $150,000 tax bill), b) there is no place to invest the proceeds (stock market is too risky, banks are risky and pay really low interest), and c) you are too young and if you change your mind and want to purchase more investment properties, interest rates and prices are too high. 

Once you buy a few the deals start coming from all places you wouldn't expect.I met a business owner in town and became friends.

Years ago, a friend of mine took on a similar challenge in an older neighborhood near Chicago..he opened up the top floor to create a master suite that felt less like a converted attic and more like a boutique hotel room.

Alternatively, your GC can keep you posted on progress, but having a local project manager or even a trusted friend to occasionally drop by can provide extra peace of mind.Hope this helps, and good luck with your rehab project!

For rentals, they can work well if the HOA is investor friendly and cash flow numbers make sense.Financing can also vary, so it’s worth checking lender requirements for condos (warrantable v non warrantable) versus SFRs

Highlight the “family-friendly” perks, like extra beds, pet policies, and flexible terms.

Those rentals debt serviced and also covered my California monthly rent (I know some of you may question paying someone else's mortgage) but at that time, I preferred the renting lifestyle which placed me much closer to work, my family, my clients, and friends.