Still learning the ropes here so mostly looking for any general pointers on the challenges investing in a different market than where you physically are comes with its own challenges.

With that said, for house hacking, you would obvioulsy need to physically relocate if you were to go this route (whether to Albany or any other similar area). 

@Jagan ReddyThere is physical occupancy versus economic occupancy.

As a workaround, we have a hidden lockbox that the tenant can access if code doesn't work and get a physical key.

Physical investing is a whole different ballgame, you lack the tolerance and understanding of what investing entails.

Mentors for me have come in the form of friendships over time, but honestly, most of them were made at an IN-PERSON MEETUP....there is something about physical energy that makes a huge difference.Happy to connect to share some of my experiences!

Tax (and often even zoning) designation don't change the comps for what it physically exists as.Is a residential appraiser telling you this, or are you basing this assessment only on your own understanding of these classifications? 

Physical asset investing does not grow linearly, you'll get some jabs in the face, maybe a tight slap like an AC stolen or a tenant flooding your bottom floor.

I have a strong work ethic and don't shy away from hard physical labor thanks to my granddad making me carry pack of shingles up on roofs at 6am during my summer when I was 11 years old, my pay was dinner that night lol. 

Love how you used the flea as physical evidence to get a seller credit