And you're not doing the thing where you accept negative cashflow while waiting/betting/praying on appreciation, because you've got to live somewhere regardless. 

I'd bet saving the time is the better option.

I would bet there is no insulation in the walls and a lot of the cells will be grouted full. 

I bet somebody will make that home incredible.  

IDK banks policies but someone local is probably your best bet.

But, if you attend a Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens REIA I bet you'll at least get some support from experienced local investors.

Without it you wont be able to do much.Your best bet for getting started, if you have little or no experience, is to offer a more experienced investor a deal where you help them out for free and you get to learn along the way.

Your best bet might be to promote what you are looking for in those venues and find a match. 

Included demo and buying and installing 2 pre-hung metal doors - one with a half window and one just plain white (included door, framing, bottom threshold, hinges, basic knobs and locks).

But if it's a 30 year loan, I would bet all my property that it will happen at least once (and probably several times more than once) in the span of that loan.