I'd recommend finding some properties with lighter rehabs to start so that you can build up experience quickly as experience is the largest factor when determining your loan options as a lender.

Being 1.5hrs of NYC gives you a lot of options, even Long Island (which typically has more options for public commute into NYC).Give me a shout if you'd like to chat more, I have a handful of case studies on my site as well from deals I've closed/brokered that match the househacking criteria you're aiming for. 

I currently own 1 SFH and 6 multis of various size the largest being 8 units.

One of the largest competencies of REI is scalability through other people's time (OPT), often times carried out through PMs.If your goal is to own a smaller portfolio, then perhaps doing your own property management makes sense.If you want to acquire medium to large scale apartment buildings, then you probably won't even get a loan from a commercial bank without proof of using a PM with a solid reputation.

I’d love to connect with some of the more experienced RE investors in and around the Rhode Island area.

I have had office space in Astoria for 5 out of my 7 years in the business and it remains my favorite place to work.Newer developments present a wide range of opportunities, including:Affordable housing rental unitsNew high-rise condominium buildings Small boutique condo developmentsMixed-use buildings2-4 family new-construction residential propertiesFilm studiosAstoria’s high cost of living is akin to other neighborhoods in the ‘outer boroughs’ with Manhattan views or proximity to the island.

I currently have a Duplex that cashflows very nicely in Rhode Island.

My thought is, hopefully, I can get something a little nicer or slightly cheaper by being a 20 to 30 minute drive to Bodie island.

Quote from @Michael Plaks: Quote from @Kory Reynolds: For my clients real estate businesses they pay between $4,000 and $650k purely for tax prep and tax consulting, Tell'm I can do it for $645k  ;)  I'd be happy to do it for $640k AND I'll personally fly both myself and the client (/client's family) to review their return together in-person...on an island in the Caribbean. ;)

The sponsor's largest source of revenue is in the promote, which in most cases isn't realized until the sale.