I understand that these rules vary depending on the state, but any thoughts on this?

Additionally, if your goal is to maximize personal financial benefits, consider profit distributions from the property-owning LLC, which may provide tax flexibility depending on your situation.By adhering to FMV, maintaining proper documentation, and structuring the lease agreement carefully, you can optimize tax benefits while staying compliant.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

This one I might take from the deposit, depends on how much if it is really worth it.

Much of the negotiations during due dilligence depend on demand for that specific property- hopefully your agent has build leverage in to your contract that they can use to help you with this piece. 

That question depends on if you have enough other income to qualify.

Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountain areas span multiple counties, and rentals have a wide range of pricing, depending on what people are looking for.

Taxes/Insurance- depends a lot on where you are located.The homes themselves- POH or TOH? 

Depending on the severity of smoke damage and structural issues, it could be a huge challenge for first time flip.

The structure will depend on the down payment, quality of borrower, terms of note, your cash out of the note sale needs, and other factors. 

I am cutting out 2or3 middle-men; a sales rep, a GC, maybe a sub-GC because yes there can be layers of GC's depending on who your hiring.