Quote from @John R Bongiovanni: Does anybody have recommendations on the various alternatives to requiring a full security deposit?

Also, I grew up in the Rochester area and if you want to be investing in real estate I'd recommend you get out of NY now while you're young. 

It is a great market but highly recommend partnering with an agent who knows the market and has experience dealing with investors as location is key. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Hey Nicolas: Here's where I recommend you start. 1.

I would be very careful with a lot of course or guru in general right especially a price tag like that what I would always recommend reading the contract and see who is the person more in favor and if its not you then dont sign up very rare to see someone actually benefit from a course.

As a side note, and maybe others will recommend this as well, obtain your real estate license instead if you are interested in pursuing sales full-time.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I think tax benefits should be secondary to buying something that would work well as a STR.I would recommend you consult a tax professional to see what possible tax benefits you could receive from buying this STR.

I'd build up and go for at least 2 units but 3 stories is better. 3 story walk up apartments account for almost 65% of apartment developments round he country. this is what I'd recommend on your lot. this is 35' tall and we do it in columbus oh