Deep down I would like to say long-term appreciation, but my first initial reaction is prioritizing cash flow. 

One challenge for me, I think, would be the initial cost of a 2-family in NYC, or whether I would be open to going with a property a bit outside of the city to get a lower price.My current strategy that I'm considering came from listening to BiggerPockets Podcast 408: Full-Time Income on a Part-Time Schedule with Emma Powell in which she talks about how her first REI deal was being a hard-money lender using funds from a house sale, and that it was really powerful because she was effectively being paid to be mentored (by the experience lender) With that in mind, I am considering focusing mainly on just selling my current property, and maybe doing a house hack if possible, but prioritizing selling, and being able to use the proceeds toward a lending deal.

Major players and funds that have 8-10 figures to play with such as GNR (aka Philadelphia Lotus) have poured countless dollars acquiring inventory, likely banking on the continued appreciation married with an impressive S8 portfolio.

Players like Aaron Donal, Von Miller, and Leonard Floyd were instrumental in keeping the home front safe, which enabled the offensive team to advance toward victory.

Those risks are minimized the less players there are.  

Travel nurses are also very focused on budget and in my experience will prioritize rent price over most other things. 

“Games are won by players who focus on the playing field –- not by those whose eyes are glued to the scoreboard.”

Now you are a true contributor and willingly share your knowledge, which is the essence of BP.You would be on my short list of 'most improved players' if there was one. 

Even when I do google search for the episode and get results of it all over other podcast player sites, but nothing to BP. 

Keep in mind that many of the bigger hotel players had a major position in controlling that business from airbnb types as it directly hits their pocketbooks.