I have spent the past several years studying market trends, analyzing potential investment properties, and building a network of industry experts.I'm specifically looking for a fellow investor located in the New York area who is interested in collaborating on initial buy and flip projects.

Focusing on Connecticut for your initial investment is a solid choice, especially since you’re familiar with the area.

In the long run though your risk is high initially in either case until you come to understand your market, your goals and what you are doing. 

Build it into your model of start-up costs, down payment, or other initial costs of the purchase. 

The initial effect on mortgage rates was a subtle increase in long term bond yields, however in comparison to earlier this summer residential and commercial mortgage rates are down considerably.For example commercial lenders were in the 7%++ range just a few months ago, and recently are as low as 5.5%-6% and falling.

However the initial capital would be too large (panels + room + GPU investment) for me.

As well as Wealth Hacks by yours truly - don't hesitate to DM me for a copy I took the initiative to look up your book that you wrote in 2021 and I totally agree, building wealth is like dieting.

Appreciation is a bit riskier since it depends on factors we can't always control, such as school levies passing, business success, crime reduction, etc.In my opinion, it’s hard as a newbie to jump into appreciation properties, as they require a lot more initial capital to acquire.

Although your initiative is commendable, I don't recommend submitting offers without first determining how you can fund the deal.Lastly, I do not recommend keeping the owner on as a tenant.

Thats another key factor to be able to pull out your initial capital and the next homes DP in a shorter period of time.