I've heard from other people in the group that you might get one good person out of 30 that write with interest. 

Depending on the cause of the taxes it could be offset with write off's, deductions, carry overs, etc.You could always take out a loan through a cash out refinance to pay off or down the lien.

One-year leases are very common in smaller spaces, as you're most often working with tenants in the trade industry that need a garage styled space for tools and equipment, some with a small 1-person styled office adjacent the shop.

@Colleen BaroneAs @Nathan Gesner Mentioned you are supposed to but in reality 9/10 deals that get sold in areas with a POS will not have a POS report provided prior to writing an offer.

I thought about writing letters and posting through the letter box of the nicer small multi family i see, but i understand the owner likely doesn't live there.

I would do it for the tax write offs, as well as another positive for the resale value. 

Before filing such a complaint with DHCR for breach of the warranty, the tenant must communicate in writing with the landlord about the problem.

I'll cosign @Andrew Steffens  number though and I have ran furnishings either between $15-20 per square foot as a really rough ball park depending on location/style. 

Is there a particular architectural style of house you prefer? 

The tenant has not met the requirements of withholding rent.If the tenant claims they have moved out, ask them to state that in writing (email or text is sufficient) so you can enter, remove their belongings, and take possession.