On the other hand, apartment syndication offers substantial economies of scale, which seems to be a common transition for many real estate investors, as I’ve heard on numerous podcasts.I would love to hear your thoughts on which route you think I should pursue and why.

what did you think?

All I do is make an offer and they already love us.If you buy the leads, don't you think you will get a lot of confused sellers and they start with .. who are you?!?!

we currently live in long island, and was thinking of upstate NY, as that would be a drive away, if we ever decide to convert the STR to our vacation home.

I think you're onto something...that VRBO is not currently investing much advertising spend in your market and is instead focusing elsewhere. 

I don't think I can ask the renters to irrigate the lawn regularly?

I know there are hard money, and private money lenders, but since it's my first purchase I don't think any of that will work for me.

Thank you Nicholas , I will do some research on Allentown any zip codes that you think I should look at ??

The mold I think was a result of water leak from an HVAC unit.

it is not just a think but the best way to overcome interest rate hike in owner occupant home is to househack, regardless it is SF or MF.