I am moving towards putting up curtain rods and inexpensive curtains though- I feel they hold up better, I can wash them (if the tenant didn't) rather than dealing with the utter pain it is to clean miniblinds, tenants seem to like them better, and they look a whole lot nicer. 

It's a very inexpensive way to protect yourself (~$350).

If the tenant is paying their own utilities, do we include our utilities in expenses while determining the cash flow?

That’s $600 more in expenses than you have.  

Staging is a must - I can give you an inexpensive contact.

There are a lot of inexpensive ways -- podcasts, BP, your local REIA, local  Meet Ups - to get started..

I’ve thought about new Milford but also concerned if flood zones and further on coast closing into Rhode Island like new London, new Saybrook, mystic area I see some fairly inexpensive homes however those by water seem more difficult to find.

Cost of living is extremely inexpensive, but I am from LI so anywhere else is less expensive , lol 

They love it as they get to learn.We had some differences in expenses in each line items.

I was envisioning searching out inexpensive properties, travelling to them, staying in the area until repairs and renos were complete, selling or renting, then moving on to another property.Any information or ideas on how we could accomplish this vision would be greatly appreciated.Thank you.John