I'm also interested in Virtual for properties and Ideas on Long Island, preferably Nassau.

This is my preferred means of purchasing rental properties for cash from the SDIRA. 

Also, I'd add that any second position debt, preferred equity, or their brother's, sister's or cousins in any shape or form are at #2 on this list, in really any asset class. 

I have some clients who prefer to have a PM for maintenance/contact/rent collection/general management and will place tenants and write leases for themselves in exchange for a reduced rate.  

Given the photo of that fix/flip, I assume you're OK with a "fixer upper" or would you prefer a turn-key rental?

I have a included a link to a PM locator tool ready to go with recommendations in your preferred area.

If there is a choice to be made, it comes down to what an investor "likes" or prefers about one over the other? 

Something more passive via a syndication could work for them, and otherwise they'd probably prefer something simple like a long term single family rental. 

The proper answer is "it depends" I don't know anything about your case.I do prefer simple over unnecessary complexity.

Knowing my situation, if my wife and I were doing something like this, I'd be OK with buying something sooner and cheaper, but my wife would prefer to wait a little longer to save more to buy something nicer.