Due to the fact that this neighborhood is lacking comps and a severe lack of development, Being conservative on size and cost there is more planning to be done. 2130 sqft down with an additional 565 sqft up.

If investors, you need experience and a strong understanding of how deals should be structured so that you can offer your investors adequate returns to meet their objectives while also having enough meat on the bone to be worth your efforts.

I also like the idea of using one of the units as a home base; this is smart planning and a good foundation to start with.In regard to Syracuse, you may have a leg up there as well since you live there with the Syracuse Land Bank.

I have great credit, killer salary, and a bunch saved up but still can't afford a 20% down payment on anything over 600k. 

You have a great rate and a house that's getting too small, but upgrading to a larger home with a larger rate is not doable.

Another option you can do is buy using conventional first and as long as you can live in it you can rehab slowly if you have the time and use money for rehab from another source if possible.

Stop trying to hack your way to more money and just earn more money consistently and save it until you have reserves and a downpayment for the next one.

We have added new interior features and a new roof.

(high rise condo) The vent does not work and as a result humidity damaged the ceiling. 

Once from when the husband died 20 years ago and a 2nd set of estate taxes when the wife died more recently.