So I wanted to ask how do new western agents and other people find off market residential/commercial.

Or is it just that people want to get rid of the house so bad they take whatever option is available.

There are many people that invest from afar. 

Thank you for checking this out… I hope this information is helpful to you or someone you know in the New York market.If you are interested in 2-4 unit properties in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Westchester or Long Island, this will give you a sense of what is happening in the NYC metro area.

People will always have issue with shared amenities in a short term rental house.

People really hate STRs.

Yes, I've both done a few 1031s and helped more than a few people as the QI for their own 1031 exchanges over the years. 

Sometimes people get in over their head and find it easy to use other's people money thinking they can later "reimburse" them. 

For some people they are good with 5 others just can't stop buying real estate. 

So, if their measure fails in November, your ADU investment would probably make a lot more sense.