A similar renovated home up the block (on the same street) sold for $133K after less than 2 months on the market this past May.

Unfortunately I can't give you any advice on NYC itself, but I can tell you that a lot of the work in REI has to do with spreadsheets and formulas.I woud imagine NYC REI is going to require a strong knowledge of different neighborhoods, one block will be vastly different than the next.

It is on the edge of one of the less desirable areas of the city, but the block has many single-family houses which are well-kept and "feels" safe.

The city itself has very low property taxes but property values also vary dramatically block by block and at times even streeet by street.Finding and having "feet on the street" is key for smart and money making investments anywhere you spend your money.

I feel like I might be getting blocked or something.2.)Thoughts on trying to close the deal on the phone or getting a meeting with very little information?

Location in Dayton is everything. 1 block can make a large difference here.What you need is to find boots on the ground in Ohio, or you need to visit.

Gas company comes out again and now there is something blocking the chimney (dead animal or maybe a broken liner).

I run into road blocks regularly with me living in CA and attempting to finance in Ohio.

I don't know about you but the houses I have rehabbed have been the best house on the block and obviously worth more than anything else.

Also you could build a sight blocking (6' tall wood fence) to stop the dogs from being able to see.