Method of choice was looking for potential properties online using redfin then when I had run simple numbers I would drive by each property and its neighborhood and if it was worth pursuing, I would schedule to see the property through the selling agent.

Remember, not every single decision in your life has to make financial sense.

Potential Marketing StrategiesShould I directly contact insurance companies to be added to their approved rental property lists?

IF you want to get into real estate and potentially learn and make a few bucks on a property in Abilene let me know.

You'll get lots of these, some with very enticing financial offers.

I would see what the potential fees would be for refinancing though.

Potentially lower down needed of 15% with better rate and 6% cap in IPC’s

Usually that means that they have hard assets that can be liened and potentially sold to pay off the debt.

You could tap the $400k of equity in your primary, but that's a slippery slope with the little financial discipline you appear to have and could quickly lead to bankruptcy.

Instead of jumping into an expensive Long Island market with negative cash flow, consider investing in a Texas market like San Antonio, Houston, or DFW suburbs—these areas offer strong rental demand, lower property taxes than NY, and better cash flow potential.