Hey Fellas - sorry for the delay, been out on the Appalachian Trail the last few days.

If you want to add a partner, do it early as the Approval will be buyer specific, and adding a partner could be a huge delay after the Aprroval is issued.

Hi Nathan,Be patient and start with a smaller dollar figure as it will minimize your risk.You can always build from there.Upstate NY is one of the toughest rental markets across the US in my opinion.Thanks and have a great day.

If you can easily find another tenant, let them out with minimal pain.  

Note that you can perform roth conversations over time (year over year), minimizing your taxable liabilities where possible.

Delay selling 'til the supply/demand is in better balance; also possible but delays my turning over that money.Anyone have any advice, experience in this situation, or other ideas?

Since you have your dad's help in this, it might actually be very beneficial if he can get a great cash deal for you on a rehab in his area, buy an all cash fixer, put the work into it and turn it into a great rental, rent it out, then cash-out refi after required time (not sure what financing delays are on cash purchases where you can use the new appraised price versus purchase price).  

No biggie as the current process in place doesn't delay us. 

In my research into REI, wholesaling 'RE seems to be the best way to begin a new career with minimal cost.

It could be borrow at 5% to make 10%, higher, lower, etc, etc.Its all about managing your cash flows minimize the downside and maximize the upside.