I would join the local real estate club.

I have secured financing through a local bank and looking to grab a fixer upper rental SFH.

@Gloria Gronka I think a great way to get started is to attend local meetups. 

You might want to check out the local Zone Code first.

Have you spoken with a local credit union? 

Market research, local expertise, networking, property management, financial planning, potential legal and tax ramifications, risk management, and long-term vision are important factors to take into account.

Based on my experience even with hiring contractors you may also need to do some minor project management to keep the project on track.I definitely see what youre saying about the General Contractor saving me money in the long run due to him knowing local regulations better and getting better price on materials!

And I bet your local market is too.

Are you planning to invest locally in New York, or are you open to investing out-of-state?

At that time, local jurisdictions may be allowed to require property owners to be owner-occupied.