Another person said to also look for the most "thought out", sometimes meaning longer, better punctuation, and the one most fitting to the question.

But a lot of that involves a business decision more so than a legal decision. 

The early termination fee, from other Property Management leases and forums that I reviewed is to 1) discourage a tenant from breaking the lease early in the first place but financially 2) cover the costs of advertising, showing the unit, etc involved with re-leasing the unit.

A SFR property could involve more rehab than a multifamily depending on the size and current condition.

I wanted to take a moment and introduce myself as well as get more involved in the local RE community.I'm 25, moved to New York City (Astoria) about 3.5 years ago, and have a full time corporate job in Financial Services Consulting.

I'd look into some 0% APR for the first 18 months Credit Cards but it sounds like the amount of money you're looking for is too small for most hard money lenders to want to get involved with.  

If you have nothing to bring to the table you will find it difficult I always tell folks in this situation is to simply go on e bay you can buy every single guru's written materials and tapes for 20 to 50 bucks each guru.. listen to all of those read them all.. then slice and dice and see what fits your personality.no one ever said real estate is easy.. takes no money and will just fall in your lap.. its the polar opposite.. 

Looks good, how long have you been involved in real estate?

Can you recommend a builder or give some idea of the costs involved?

I wouldn’t really ask what is the best way to invest, but more along the lines of what is the best way to invest that fits you.