Here is a video that runs down the basics - https://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/specialenforcement/01-Legal...There is also a prohibited building list - https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law...Here are some more info overall - https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law..All of this makes STRs in the city pretty tough but it certainly not impossible.

I've consistently written about the forces of nature and her current and future effects on the real estate market (even while often being ridiculed and politicized on this very site for it) regardless: I personally moved and invested in coastal Oregon in 2018 from Venice Beach Los Angeles partly as a result of the trajectory of climate and have assisted several clients that specifically purchased on the Oregon Coast for their own 'climate havens,' investment and future retirement homes. 

Just wanted to introduce myself and enjoying the Bigger Pockets site and forums.

I've been so busy these past 6 months that I haven't had time to look back at the site.

I found what seemed to be a great property with a house for an STR and other space that I could expand for camping/RV sites and a barn that could be converted into a venue for events. 

I cam across the podcast with Sam and he was talking about private money lenders and investing without having to use much or any of your own money.

The site has changed tremendously. 

Basically, these are lands that technically qualify as Sending sites, but that have issues such that nobody really wants to build there.

(https://www.mynd.co)One of my co-workers at my last job (pre-covid times) used to work\invest with them, so I had probably registered on their site back then.

See what the $19k was for first, it may have been neccessary, but still that does not make it ok for them to do it without a signed CO.You can ask an attorney a few questions using sites like Avvo or Rocket for not much $$$.