As for the areas to target, my goal in getting our feet wet as real estate investors--and since we plan to be living in Sac--is to find a property we can live in while renting out one or more units to help cover our housing expenses, which we can then hold and continue to rent out when we move.

The guide makes a great point regarding reaching out to their landlord PRIOR to their current one.

You should come to one of the Lynchburg meet ups, the next one we are touring a flip.

There, you'll find detailed information on investing, both in general and specifically in Las Vegas.Before I continue, note that unless otherwise noted, the charts only include properties that match the following profile.Type: Single-familyConfiguration: 1,000 SF to 3,000 SF, 2+ bedrooms, 2+ baths, 2+ garages, minimum lot size is 3,000 SF.Price range: $320,000 to $475,000Location: All zip codes marked in green below have one or more of our client’s investment properties.What we are seeing:The chart below, from the MLS, includes ALL property types and price ranges.

I've been following the build-to-rent method for some time and even lived in one for 2 years.

Since you're open to markets beyond NYC, you might want to connect with local investor meetups or REI groups in those areas to build relationships with agents, wholesalers, and lenders who understand the nuances of each market.If you're looking to break out of analysis paralysis, maybe start by narrowing down one or two target markets and running numbers on actual deals.

Given your stated position of things, assumptions of skills and network, I'd say your best path is a totally different one. 

But there’s plenty of good ones too.

A little more info, I am doing a full cosmetic rehab on one of the units and a lighter one on the other but I am assuming if I am going to split the utilities I should do that prior to any rehab. 

I have never pulled a permit for a water heater swap, know no one that has ever pulled a permit for a water heater swap, ever seen or heard about one getting red tagged for no permit, and have never had a plumber recommend getting a permit.