Insulate, add electrical, mini-split ac, and possibly plumbing, as desired, drywall, tape and paint, put built-in cab's on one side if you want, hang the tv, speakers, etc, install bi-fold/multi-fold doors on the side leading to a patio, and replace the garage door with an insulated one keeping the track and removing the motor, or install a carriage type garage door into the existing garage opening.

You can exchange from any type of investment real estate anywhere in the counry to any other type of real estate anywhere in the country. 

I think you are in the right mind set however with the out of state investing - its much easier in this day and age and NY is not a great place to get started in this type of investing

I'm a land broker in Southen California who sells land to homebuilders of all types (for-profit, non profit, etc.). 

You don't know what types of savings she may have to cover her leave or if she'll get short term disability which pays a percentage of her income during her leave.If she is currently working and meets your income and other qualifications for renting, then you must approve her application.

Set Up a Self-Directed Account: Find a custodian or administrator who specializes in these types of accounts2.

So i was looking for people that know the area well and that have invested in the area to give any advise on the good areas and the bad ones, rental prices, type of tenants in this area you name it....everything and any advice would be very appreciated!!!!

Have some quotes going the DSCR route however fees and rates seem on the higher end, we have 790 credit score, good W2 jobs so documentation is not a problem and we don’t have an issue putting them in our personal names, but have had the MFRs for less than a year and operate out of MD.

If you're the type of investor to leave lucrative vacation rental investment to luck, then this post is not for you..It is intended for those that are looking for a fool proof strategy and tips to finding, assessing and buying an STR in the mid to near term. 1.

So work with someone who can guide you through the maze of neighborhoods, numbers, types of properties, trends . . . :-)