See article from the US Census about growth and population decline:https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/population-trends-return-to-pre-pandemic-norms.html#:~:text=Texas%20experienced%20the%20largest%20numeric,%25%2C%20respectively%2C%20in%202023.

. $700 is a solid budget to cold call for 3 months and try to find deals.

But politicians dont want that, they keep pressing that peddle down, more and more and more thrust.

During the cold months I also pay for the heat as it does both sides of the duplex and can’t be separated.

You can do some sourcing yourself through facebook groups, wholesaler email list and and even picking up the phone and cold calling some home owners that may be tired landlords, doesn't owe anything and has built up some equity.With enough volume you should come across some solid deals that are worth closing on by the end of the year as you planned. 

Since a covered peril (wind) triggered coverage, loss or rents/income would then come into play.Unfortunately, if you have neither flood or wind coverage under your policy, and that's what's caused all your damage, I think you'll be hard pressed to collect any loss of rents/income from your carrier. 

So to answer your most pressing question, yes wholesaling is legal in NY.

Broken appliances, missing basics like a cork screw, no artwork on the walls and cold, ratty furniture that was clearly second-hand, noisy neighbors, and more.

and are all you wholesaler's cold calling?

I have yet to have a conversation with a seller but I will keep continuing to mail and will also cold call.