This thread has definitely run away, but amazingly still on topic, most of the time.Anyway, getting a license in my opinion is the best option, unless you do one of two things, if I followed the findings/advise on this thread correctly:1) Buy outright and then resell, (L/O, Wrap and Subject To was also mentioned but doesn't require purchase, per se), as in flipping.

@Tori KolasaI don't think theres really any books per se, but I know you can Google loads of info.

Saves on SE taxes this way.

This was not a flip, so no Sch C and no SE taxes. 

Rental income is not subject to SE taxes.

Mine were primarily in Detroit and SE Michigan. 

I dont have enough eyes and ears on the ground for the areas that you listed beacuse my main territory is SE.

I know you are in the NE but we have a grocery store chain called Publix in the SE that is thriving without self check outs in their stores.

My husband and I are in SE Florida and are thinking about selling our SFH to purchase a duplex in a very safe intercoastal community.

The NE and SE part of Gainesville you'll find lower prices properties but also some bad areas.