Or is there a professional who will know what easements or variances are attainable to provide greater building density and/or more efficient public works- tie ins?

You have to create the deal most of you are looking what is available on the market what I help do is create deals from junk properties to rental beauties which allow my investors attain above average ROI and Cap Rates. 

I currently work for Enterprise and believe that real estate can help me attain the financial freedom that I long for.

(2.5) I am tied into a lease until next summer (I could easily sublet).My questions for you are:1) Is it possible to attain a conventional loan on a work visa (I believe it is after some research but I wanted to check with the community) and does anyone have experience in doing so?

What is the best way to start getting into house flipping and eventually attaining some rental properties for investment?

Is it possible once homeownership is attained to invest in NY and succeed?

Take what you learn here and use it to attain your goals.

Start slow and set an attainable goal.

I share my story so the person reading this, who is where I was at in March, will know your goals can be attainable in Real Estate with hard work and dedicating the time to do the research.  

Congratulations on already attaining 5 units!