You may get better results by purchasing a duplex, triplex, or fourplex.Here's a guide that describes what good cash flow looks like and how to analyze a property.

On the journey, I once sold properties that were 30 minutes away as being too far, and also managed some properties that were 200 miles away. 

BP forum messed up my post. was going to say this: I use eggshell for all of my own properties.

You could do things like outdoor speakers, waterfalls, etc.Visually, unless you are in an HOA or other restrictions, maybe you can hedge the backyard for added privacy.The goal for most people is to keep the property, not sell.

Are you looking to "house hack", which is living in the property (or 1 of the units) for at least a year and then moving out and renting the unit?

Contractors, unless you have a working relationship with them, normally do not want you bouncing ideas off them.Understand what their hourly rate is, have a discussion with them that you are okay with paying them an hourly rate if they walk the property with you and provide you a scope of work along with an explanation of what you can/can't get away with in regards to improvements.ask them if you go with them, if they can credit you the amount that you paid.Once you develop a working relationship with a few contractors, you can bounce ideas off them and expect quality responses.I do not invest in New York.Best of luck. 

We had a property with this type of sewer and replaced it with PVC, a much improved product. 

I am concerned if this strategy works buying properties from Auction sites.

As an aside, insurance companies are inspecting most properties one way or another in the current market. 

Let's say I want too go out and network where would I find investors and lender's that can help with the first down payment on a property and is there any events that has REI and CREI.