If you are looking for a turnkey property (meaning one that has already been rehabbed, rented and managed by the same company that sold you the property) then I can help you with your quest for providers in specific markets. 

As, I've mentioned to a few other posters in the past, when your searching in NYC, I would recommend getting super specific in your geographic parameters. 

It's essential to evaluate each deal individually, considering factors like your specific market, property condition, and your own risk tolerance.Here's a quick summary of what you might do:70% Rule: Use this as your initial benchmark to assess deals, especially if you're looking at traditional financing with 70% LTV as a goal. 75% Rule: When you have access to lenders offering DSCR loans at 75% LTV, adjust your analysis to match this new lending option.

@Martin Bys pretty basic goals, you'll need more specifics to achieve them!

More specifically, how many years of tax returns is needed to be shown to qualify for a cash-put refinance?

The only benefit in this instance, as an investment partner in a JV, or member in a multi-member LLC, is it's an act of "good faith" on my part in the agreement, being extremely transparent about the project's costs for the construction company, and the specific amount the partner/member invoices as profit or salary attributed to construction services on the specific project (I differentiate profit from salary, as it depends on the size of your construction company, a smaller company the profit may be the salary etc). 

Attending local real estate meetups can be a great place to find other investors as well and get more market specific advice!

They can help guide you in specific local markets.

I've been saving up for my first property purchase, specifically aiming for a duplex.

That is a pretty loaded question and depends more on the host and the specific property in question.