I am looking at a project in Auburn, NY, just south of Syracuse.

None of this makes sense to me, given that the TCAD site states things such as "The evidence presented for an over-market valuation protest may be sale prices of comparable properties in the area...." and, in regards to ARB hearing, "In value and unequal appraisal protests, the chief appraiser has the burden of proving the property’s value by a preponderance of the evidence presented at the ARB hearing. 344 If the chief appraiser fails to meet this burden of proof, the ARB must decide in the property owner’s favor. 345"So basically this morning I was given no reason for why my property was valued so high - the guy even told me he agreed the property value was too high but there was nothing he could do and I would be told the same at the ARB hearing - he even got up to go ask someone else. 

It's a four-property package in Syracuse, for an assignment of $24k.

I was also thinking of going the online route offered by my realtors association here in Syracuse.

Mayor, Sheriff, Police Chief, big local business... etc.

Can anyone in the Syracuse or Utica NY area recommend a financial advisor that knows a lot about real estate?

Currently in the Syracuse, NY area and working my "9-5" about 13 hours a day when commute is factored in.  

He is the resident "Cap Rate" police chief around here, so be careful when using "Cap Rate" in the same sentence as "Two family unit" when Bob's around.I agree with your thought about having separate on-demand heaters, but the "best tweak" I can think of is: Offering a lower price.

I then spoke to the chief electrical inspector for the city without giving him the location or landlords name and asked what I should do.

Here is a summary of the background of the two recent deals that I was not successful in:Deal #1:Location - Eastwood neighborhood of Syracuse, NY (considered good, lots of rentals, safe, B- area)Property Info - $90,000 listing price.