I'm not in NYS, but in WA you can google the law and find what is required.Going off the top of my head here for WA:Deliver a copy personally to the tenant.If the tenant is absent, by leaving a copy with someone of suitable age and discretion at the rental unit AND mailing a copy.If neither of the above are possible, by posting a copy on a conspicuous place on the premises, handing a copy to any person living there, AND mailing a copy.There's also a form that goes along with notifying them.

Most people know that George Washington began his business career as a surveyor; in fact he was selected as county surveyor at the age of 17.  

If Landlord exercises this Right, binder funds will be mailed within 7 days to Prospective Tenant(s) at a current address listed on their application(s).Move-In RequirementsFirst Month’s Rent must be paid in full in the amount of: $__________Security Deposit must be paid in full in the amount of: $__________Other Move-in Fees must be paid in full in the amount of: $__________All tenant paid utilities must be transferred into Prospective Tenant’s name.Background checks done on all occupants aged 18 and above.A Lease must be executed and signed by all parties.When all move-in requirements have been met and Prospective Tenant(s) given possession of the property, the binder will be used as the tenant’s security deposit.

Hello my friends,
I recently came across a BiggerPockets podcast about Cashflow vs. Appreciation, and this quote by David Greene really stood out:
"Everyone I have ever talked to has always said: Location, Location,...

After all that I'm sure it sounds like I'm anti real-estate.

CMHA may have specific standards on top of federal HQS, like the age or condition of certain appliances or windows.Like everyone is saying.

Midlothian, Decatur, Weatherford, Sherman depending on your price range and age preferences. 

Using a VA loan for a second property, where I’d move in and rent out my current home.When I made an offer on a fixer-upper (I didn’t win that bid), the loan officer mentioned it might be difficult to convince the underwriter why I’d need another VA loan for a second property in the same area, especially since the new home is almost identical to my current one (same size, age, school district, etc.).

I know a few of them personally and are willing to help everyone out no matter the age.

You might want to consider making An Excel spreadsheet for each property with all of the items, with their ages and expected replacement time- it's only a guess.