My thoughts: if you have a steady job that can support the negative cash flow, and you don't plan on leaving Long Island for at least 5-7 years, I would house hack. 

Supporting @Russell Brazil - it takes several months before these things even show up in the RE data from a layoff event, regardless if it's a big tech company or the DC gov.

This knowledge is crucial when planning co-living projects.Engage with Local Authorities: Work with city planners and zoning boards to advocate for more inclusive definitions that accommodate co-living arrangements.Monitor Legal Developments: Keep an eye on legal scholarship and policy discussions that may influence zoning reforms favorable to co-living.By staying informed and proactive, real estate investors can navigate the complexities of zoning laws and contribute to the evolution of housing policies that support diverse living arrangements.For a deeper dive into these discussions, you can read the full articles here:Bloomberg: Why Are Zoning Laws Defining What Constitutes a Family?

Lol) to support or debunk my thesis, I came away with several neighborhoods in Ohio that will continue to grow for both appreciation and cash flow in the next 5 years.  

Good schools, healthcare, low crime, recreational opportunities etc… attract residents, supporting property values.There are more I’m missing here.

I'd really like to see something legal in nature that supports the deal failure, however I'm not sure exactly what to ask for. 

Your new ARV(after repair value) should be supported by an adequate amount of comparable sales in the area(duplex's).

I built my team through networking on places like BP forums and FB groups.I have since moved to Indianapolis from the west coast to continue to grow my portfolio here and have expanded my business to include support for other OOS investors who need the same support I did when I was remote.

Let me know if I can provide any support. 

Depending on your down payment (which it seems like you have a good amount of liquid for that) they can nicely cash flow.Ultimately, success in real estate investing comes down to choosing a growing market, investing in a good neighborhood, and building a strong team to support you.