Anyone you can recommend? 

My recommendation:  Punt. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

If not, I do not recommend sheriff sales as a first attempt.

We simply include the tax on the invoice sent to guests, which makes it easier to track and ensures we're covered for tax purposes at the end of the year.For Chicago, I’d recommend checking directly with the city’s tax office or a CPA, but generally, you’ll need to register with the city, collect the hotel tax from guests, and remit it on a regular schedule (likely monthly or quarterly).

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Do this quickly because some counties have a time limit on when you can appeal.I recommend you research the market for:- Comparable Property Sales- Condition of your property, including anything that may affect your property's value- If you are really serious, an expert appraisal may be worth the effort.

I highly recommend them to handle all the business structuring. 

I actually just finished reading his book and was surprisingly disappointed for a couple reasons.

Does anyone have any recommendations of first time home buyer grants or down payment assistance programs for New York State?