I kinda agree with @Larry T. there is presently a storefront vacant building right at the corner of where i leave, the store is rented out but the apartment is vacant and it has been like that for at least 2yrs.You also need to be wary of the location, correct me if i am wrong but buildings were there are apartments and stores are technically in D, E locations which could have a lot of issues. this is based on my drive and stay in Rochester NY.Your located in NYC, i think you could take a day or weekend off to come down here and check the neighborhood out.

A couple of pointers:Some groups are simply meet n greets and some have presentations on topicsSome groups are focused on selling products and bootcampsThere is a list of local events here on BP under Community>Networking Events. 

There a great many benefits when investing near the university- its the largest employer in Cincinnati, student population growing 6%/yr, I've had 0 vacancy, it's just 2 mi from over the rhine(think silver lake) and downtown, it presents cash flowing deals while well in the path of appreciation, and every major hospital in the city is within 1mi.

Buying a real estate portfolio in an effort to provide some retirement income  and provide money for my 3 year old son .Presently  on board with two single families and a seven unit property which I'm looking at.

When we didn't show for the meeting as we were inside the unit, the management member never got out of his car to check the unit to make sure it was presentable. 

At least with a buyers agent, I can get an offer presented.    

Will bump me above my desired $3K/month housing allowanceBring in a partner to "buy out" part of my equity in the existing home, which presents a whole separate list of questions:What should the terms look like?

The decision comes down to a choice of paying the tax today in present dollars or paying the present value of the future tax 30 years from now.Just as the name implies, there are two parts to a monetized installment sale: an installment sale and a monetization process.

I would just tell them that they are welcome to ensure all of those features are present in their home being built but they are RENTING this one. 

The present owner has told you they pay late and that they would never qualify due to their credit history.