@Lance Francis, based on your criteria of 300k to 500k you will surly have a difficult time find a property in NYCWith that in mind, here is a map showing the median home values as reported on the most recent American Community Survey aggregated by zip codes in the NYC area. 

I have been using American Interstate Bank for commercial loans.

The typical American homeowner has spent 13 years in their home, up from eight years in 2010, as more households are choosing to age in place.The supply of entry-level homes is also well below historical levels because during the foreclosure crisis, investors bought millions of distressed properties and turned them into rentals.

Some operate in surprisingly wild west fashion (learned from experience). 

@Phillip Wade I do not have experience with anything like this, however, I am helping a client obtain a loan for a similar idea for the fashion industry.

@Jordan Archer most states have standardized rates, and you can actually check those out on most title underwriter websites by entering a few pieces of data for example First American https://facc.firstam.com/?

Thus I moved into my camper which has been challenging primarily due to the extreme elements associated with living in the Northern American Rockies.

You need to really dive in deep with some old fashion door knocking! 

Depending on your location and financing you may be required to repour in a very specific fashion changing your costs.

@John ChanData sources such as the American Community Survey, also known as the annual Census, can help you judge a location by considering key market indicators.