Only the most experienced investors with extremely deep pockets and a strong support team should venture out into what you are considering. 

You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to.

It seems BCB has a strong presence in NJ do you know if they fund loans in NY?

Besides that I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other.

(sorry for the bad language, but I feel that strongly about the area.) 

Just make your offer as strong as possible.Shorter inspection period, although he reccomends 0 since you have time between acceptance and signing and the banks may give you up to 17 days depending on bank addendums3% EMD (Copy of check)No weasel clauses, but use the inspection clauseTell them you will be living in it since they do prefer Owner occupiedIf you don't already have an agent go to their listing agent and let them know you'd like to use them on the front(when you buy) and back end(when you flip)Offer the selling agent 1 commission point moreAlso, deals of the year come by on a weekly basis.  

My end goal is to transition a portfolio of small-multis into medium-large apartment buildings, possibly taking aim at student housing since Seattle has a number of strong institutions of higher learning in the area.

I paid my attorney $500 for a strong operating agreement semi-tailored to what I am trying to do.  

The key is being able to DO WHAT YOU SAY.The reason wholesaling works is there is a strong demand for investment properties, and cash buyers rarely work with real estate agents or the MLS.  

You will need strong liquid reserves to overcome your credit and experience.