Your equity doesn’t matter in the taxes or decision.

Since you didn't mention this being in your lease, it sounds like you are incorrect.

Finally, define your long-term investment strategy, whether you’re aiming for cash flow, appreciation, or a combination, so that each decision aligns with your bigger goals.

As someone new to NYC, I'd appreciate insights on:The current state of the UES market in this price rangeWhether buying makes financial sense for a 3-year timeline versus rentingThe pros and cons of co-ops versus condos in the neighborhoodI'm particularly interested in hearing from those with experience in the area, as I'm looking to make an informed decision.

I have a similar perspective, as I am right on your heels with the same decision, so I'm naturally inspired. 

It’s a tough decision, but we’re adjusting our strategy to align with market conditions and our timeline.Having come from a corporate background, I’m used to doing these kinds of planning exercises.

But given my parenthetical statement, and this shows where perhaps you may have less experience in the STR world, for no valid reason, your preferred platform can make a unilateral, unfounded decision to ban you and there goes your business.Which brings me to my final point.  

Guess I'm looking to make the best decision with the money.

The operation of an STR has almost nothing to do with real estate and 100% to do with hospitality, that is where you can distinguish yourself from other operators, provided you made a good decision in your initial purchase. 

If your place is cheaper but I have to worry about utilities that I even have to set up that could be as high as $1000 a month, that definitely factors into my decision.