For the layout and having 1 bath 1 kitchen each, I am guestimating the repairs maybe 6k each unit if I did not do it myself/with friends since I have plumbing experience.

(This is all coming from a VERY tenant friendly state - Massachusetts)Just my two cents.

Can anyone recommend investor-friendly lenders and property managers in this area?

Food for thought: Scranton, PA is just as close or closer that Albany depending on your locale and probably more landlord friendly.

In-person interactions are great for building trust with potential investors.Real Estate Platforms:BiggerPockets: A robust platform for connecting with private lenders and investors.Fund That Flip, PeerStreet, Groundfloor: Online platforms connecting investors with real estate projects.Social Media Groups: Facebook and LinkedIn groups dedicated to real estate investing often have private investors or lenders looking to connect.Personal Network: Often overlooked, but friends, family, and colleagues may know individuals interested in investing.Private Money Brokers: If you're working on wholesaling deals, you may find brokers who have established relationships with private money lenders.Real Estate Agents: Some agents have connections with private investors, especially those focused on investment properties.For your 50% LTV, it's good to approach investors who may be interested in lower-risk, high-equity deals.

I gravitate towards "red states" given the landlord-friendly laws and relative ease of evictions, which unfortunately are unavoidable in the buy and hold game.

Yes, but they were not investor friendly and didn't have the best communication.

I thought it was for 420 friendly rentals 

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I have used Equity Trust and have had friends use it.