I have no prior experience in real estate, however, am fortunately enough to have access to sources of income besides a fixed job salary that provides me additional CF and a long-term safety net.

If I find a property that I am interested in, contact the broker for more information or additional details...What's next? 

Additionally, the macroeconomics here has seen significant growth - population and jobs are both growing, and major companies started moving and developing here (Intel, Google, Amazon, FB, etc).

I'm in Tampa and, in addition to financing homes, we've built our share of ground-up spec homes here in the Bay Area.

I’m an OOS investor and I’m sending my realtor over to inspect these properties to see if either one would be a solid addition to my portfolio.

An additional benefit of a detailed engineering-based Cost Segregation Study is that it can increase potential insurance premium savings as well as provide support for the property tax appeals process.

Additionally, negotiating with hard money lenders for better terms or seeking out smaller, local lenders could also help.

Additionally, they may have good cause eviction protection depending on where in upstate NY. 

But some advice already said.1) Learn how to reduce your expenses2) Pay every month like you would be a tenant 3) Find other ways to make additional money - does it have a guarge, maybe rent that out for extra cash flow? 

Additionally, I have an LLC established and currently hold a business credit card with a limit of $15,000, as well as two personal cards for $4,000 and 3500.I have before and after pictures of my fix and flip, if needed.Any advice or insights on potential funding sources or strategies would be greatly appreciated!