Congrats and keep networking.

My properties have a very wide range of cash flow, such that I can have bad markets, reduce the rent, and still cash flow. 

No Evictions, EVERI also tell them there is a $35.00 non-refundable background check that THEY will pay for through SmartMove.I still end up with a wide pool to choose from...........then when I meet them...........The best qualified tenant somehow miraculously/coincidentally is the one with the least amount of adults moving in to the property...........If they have a 6 bedroom voucher and it's going to be a mother (and invariably her boyfriend) moving in along with 5 kids I'm good with that.You may want to see if your tenants "volunteer" information about having a lot of family in the area because invariably that "family" usually winds up living at the property......but if someone says they or their boyfriend does NOT have a lot or any family in the area then they seem to miraculously/coincidentally end up at the head of the line in my book as far as being best qualifed to move into my rental.

Seems like there arent any investors in NY to network with and get pointers from

This will identify who you may need to add to your team in order to succeed.Speaking of team; look for REI meetups in your area and network.

Finding the money for a good deal shouldn’t be hard...if the deal is right, and you have the right skills and network.

Also, for those of you located in Connecticut, are there any good networking groups/organizations that I could get involved in? 

be organized.Example:3 months goalEnroll in real estate class-network and meet at least 3 real estate related professionalsSave XXX dollars toward first purchaseWork on marketing strategy, and overall strategy (define markets, focus will be SFR, buy and hold with 150.00 cash flow etc) 6 month goal--pass real estate exam--Save xxx--Improve credit score from 675 to 745make these goals quantifiable and specific, in other words you can cross them off when you get them done.The plan won't be perfect buy it's a plan and you show you are executing on it. 

I have just got the bug for REI this year (at age 25) and all I have done so far is analyse deals, go to these meetups, and network.

My network suggested to give a chance to one of them but my instinct told me not to.11/5: The good looking candidate writes to me saying he would like to apply because his situation had changed (one of the people moving with him was no longer moving with him).