I will incorporate those inspection costs when I'm looking at everything that needs to go in to the deal and make sure that I have a knowledgeable contractor to help give a more accurate estimate of the rehab costs. 

This includes incorporation of the business, and preparation of related business documents, such as Operating Agreements, Partnership Agreements, etc.

I use the Honeywell 9000 series WiFi thermostats to remotely change temperature settings.I would look up houses on Homeaway.Com that have bookings in the slow hot period and see what amenities they have that are attracting people and see if you could incorporate any of these into your property.Maybe you could also donate a summer week to a charity and use that as a tax deduction?

I am wondering if it makes sense for me to incorporate before I purchase my first rental property?

Similar in some ways and incorporates time value of money, but gives you an exact number for the "return" of the project.

Two years ago I formed a new incorporation with a partner with the goal of buying multiple properties over the following years.

If you're planning to operate only in NY I would not incorporate in another state. 

They did provide some references from other landlords and their certificate of incorporation (registered in DE in 2015).

Once you verify a clean title,  you can create the company and then provide the Articles of Incorporation to the title company. 

I do have a bias here since I have wholesaling incorporated into my business, so I know firsthand why there are people who are passionate in their views towards wholesalers.