Apply the 70% rule to determine your maximum allowable offer, then negotiate and get the property under contract, ensuring your agreement includes inspection and financing contingencies.Arrange professional inspections to uncover any unforeseen issues, using these findings to negotiate concessions or confirm your repair budget.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I have a few questions and points, which I'll ask below, but this is definitely a question for a NYC based real estate attorney who is educated and experienced with both evictions and rent stabilization.

I could use some help finding a good intermediary and would love to hear what someone experienced/learned by going through this.

Take this time to make sure you have professional photos of the unit taken.

Just be careful as not everyone on sites other than FF are working professionals.

     I think the 1% rules best value may be to protect less experienced investors from overpaying for a rental Income producing property.

As for strategies, do you have any other skill set that you can bring to an experienced operator?

I understand that means paying the right professional for their services. 

How many experienced failure and gave up?