Which may come in to play if your finally 1031 rental property turns out not to make a good rental but an ideal retirement home for yourself, eventually.

Climate plays no role in my investing.

NYC is not a great market to start in since all the deals there will be appreciation plays.

And then of course, I'll be able to enjoy the benefits of the voucher payment from the Housing Authority. 

I’ve played this game before.

You said you live in the house, so if it is for personal use only, that might play into the decision, and/or if you have a lot of room in the deal financially and have enough to pay for the higher priced, possibly better GC, that might be part of the decision also.In my experience, higher price doesn't always mean "better," but may mean more attentive and experienced and more and/or better resources (like better sub's, etc). 

I'm gonna play a small hand and see if I can get a counter offer accepted for the 2 empty lots next to my personal home.

Looks like the local authorities are not going to allow this is as an STR.

There's a Big Difference in the eyes of the authorities. 

It has proven a winner for us.. because our competition wont allow contingent sales so we snag some of those playing the odds..