You're also LIVING there when you house hack, so you have to factor in what your "normal" comparable living costs would be. 

Do you mainly rely on driving for dollars, online platforms, or networking with other investors? 

Without knowing the condition of the property, that is the main thing.

Most investors will also take into consideration risk, time invested, control over the asset, the ability to do a cash-out refinance, and other factors.

My student loan payments are $0, but the regular VA lender I've been working with told me they have to factor as if I'm paying $820/mo!

Lastly Jim I am surprised it took you this long :)  AS you know one of the main rules on BP is operators / sponsor etc are suppose to divulge that they are in business and not pretend they are something else and they do it by Omission .  

I feel like NY has the appreciation factor locked down.

There are other factors to consider, to be sure, but on that score I disagree.

I have finally got them in my hands ( straight from the state of Maines website) and now realize I have no idea really what I am looking at!

Like with anywhere else: location, pricing and the overall house you intend to build will play a factor in your profits.