Hi Jackie,That sounds like a frustrating situation for your friend—sorry to hear they’re dealing with that.

I know pricing tools can be frustrating, but they might be worth another shot.

I can afford to invest in B properties with larger down payments but I guess it means I may be doing more like 2-3 deals per year than 3-4.  

I started with $25k and I bought the cheapest distressed 2/1 SFH I could afford. 

This was extremely frustrating since he charges a pretty penny for closings.Based off my experience I would not recommend him for a 1031 transaction.

According to NYC, STR is hurting housing affordability just like normal people can buy a house or condo near the Time Square and Madison Garden. 

I just can't accept such a constant ever increasing loss, even if I can afford it. 

If not, ride out the 12 months with the hard money lender.People have to make good choices and not over extend themselves just for the sake of buying something they really can't afford or that doesn't make good cash flow.

The wealthy live where they want, the middle class live where they can afford, the poor live in whatever's left over.

Seeing as how in today's society the rich get richer and incomes aren't keeping up with the stock market, people in rich areas can afford richer rents.