I’m looking for connections with local property managers and realtors as well as for general information on the Rochester rental market, including cost-to-rent ratios, saturation levels, and regulations.

This would be quite the analytical marvel to even effectively ESTIMATE this with any reasonable level of certainty/confidence (even for someone appropriately trained). 

As a general rule of thumb if the property has a ground level commercial requirement in order to show sufficient hardship to seek a residential use change the property should be located in a location that is not conducive to commercial use i.e residential street, close but not as marketable as properties located on neighborhood's primary commercial corridor etc. 

This range often lacks economies of scale and doesn’t attract institutional-level investors.

They need to fail and learn at a small dollar level.  

Like someone else said, your RE licensure exam is going to touch on creative financing in a very surface level way, if at all.

Completely renovated main level:* Demoed and redid kitchen with new appliances* Refinished floors and reglazed bathroom* Replaced the roofComplete demoed and finished the basement and landscaping* Replaced half bath with full and added 2 bedrooms* Replaced entire plumbing including sewer line* Added second washer dryer* installed stamped concrete patio and walkway plus fence* All new landscapingWhat was the outcome?

Yes, this will be an entry level job, but it gives you experience, gives you income to be able to even start buying single family rentals, if you want, gives you connections in the industry (not always investors, but people you may need later on).  

Also, plan on getting capacity for a level 2 electric vehicle charger and capacity for electric ovens/stoves and electric dryers.

Hi @Shibu ThomasThere are many garden level apartments in my area, They have low ceilings and sound similar to what you are describing.