A friend of mine has a 3br/2ba home near Giants stadium with full PV solar on it, and his bills in summer are under $10. 

We're investors in Florida. A lady we recently helped (purchased a house from her) wants to sell her house in Rochester, NY, and she came to us for help. I'd love to work with another investor over there, someone that...

I've never been one to speak about myself so I will tell you that I have friends (some from wealthy families and others coming from poverty) that thanks to this industry, if they WANTED to could very easily retire making 5 figure incomes from their portfolios and they are from 24 - 34 years old. 

You may have friends/family out there who could help out at a discounted rate.

My friend was buying a mobile home on land contract. 

Perhaps your property manager friend has connections with contractors and can help oversee the work?

Don’t make buddies with them or face book friends !

My current goals for this year are to become very comfortable with performing comps in my area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage to find out my buying power with conventional lenders, connect w/ a investor friendly agent and wholesalers to align on my investment criteria and begin the search!  

I have borrowed from a number of friends and qualified relatives and they have always been quick and pleasant to work with.

Johnny Stacks Austin is cheaper than NYC but your friends 140k will not go very far there.