We're in North York, Ontario but looking to move to and/or invest in NS after recently spending a month there. 

Is it true that some states like New York are trying to dramatically increase the property tax for out-of-state investors in order to squeeze them out of the market?

I don’t have kids, but I grew up at least in retrospect pretty well off as did both my parents, I am one of the least entitled people I know as are both my parents, that’s attributable to a few things imo, one is just pure personality, I know some people that grew up dirt poor and are extremely entitled and other people that are crazy rich and you’d never know, some of that is just random luck, but I think another key is while we’ve always have had the security that comes with being pretty well off, we’ve going back generations lived below your means, my mom grew up in westchester county New York which is a crazy rich place, my grandmother intentionally moved my mom to a frankly pretty mixed income school district so she didn’t become spoiled, I grew up until I was 13 in a very middle class neighborhood, went to middle class schools, hell my mom up until literally this week drove a 13 year old ford explorer with 155k miles.

You think New York City real estate prices have any bearing on the prices in Smalltown, New Mexico?

Live in NYCAny upstate towns where I can invest for a good price?

I am from New York but I started to fix&flip out of state. 

I was thinking about this strategy to adopt in New York. 

If there is smoke or water damage contact a restoration contactor (I've had clients use Belfor and they were pleased with their service (do not sign a contact with any restoration company without the ok of the Insurance adjuster.  

Consider hiring a fire damage restoration company to help with cleanup, repairs, and rebuilding.Lastly, take care of yourself during this difficult time.

I am not sure which market to look into as right now I am currently in new york and was told my best bet for cash flow would be to look oos for deals that I could use as a rental or house hack.