@Marc Zak Using an LLC for each property provides strong liability protection by isolating risks to individual assets, with income and expenses flowing through to your personal taxes on Schedule E.

I'm excited to be joining this incredible group of individuals.

Would this be the ideal market, or are there other rental options we should explore? 

You're local to me.There's a couple ways to go at this ;If you're looking to save some money you can have your plumber install sub-meters after the individual meters.

My goal is to acquire my first investment property, ideally a single-family rental, by early-2025.I’m particularly interested in hearing from others who’ve navigated the Hudson Valley or Catskills markets, especially with rental properties or creative financing strategies.

First thing that comes to mind is a mentor but have not had any luck Also I have over 900k in equity across the portfolio, Is there a way to use the properties as collateral for a HELOC across the portfolio instead of individually?

Ideally we'd like to fix and flip and/or STR cottages in Michigan.  

up to 20% DSCR through lenders I deal with

FHA loans are designed for primary residences and require the borrower to be an individual, not a business entity.

If they were separately metered, each tenant would pay the $116.50 base fees and their individual use, which would be 3x higher than what they pay when sharing a meter.There are many options, but don't make it more complicated than it needs to be.