if you only have enough for one project at a time, and that project goes south... you're taking the property back and trying to sell it.

This can reduce labor costs, but be mindful of the time commitment.Leverage Economies of Scale: If you're working on multiple flips or rehabs, bundling similar tasks or projects together can help reduce costs by hiring one contractor or vendor for multiple jobs.Prioritize High-Impact Repairs: Focus on renovations that add the most value, such as kitchen or bathroom upgrades, while avoiding over-improving areas that won't significantly increase the property's resale value.By combining these strategies, you can manage rising costs while maximizing your potential returns on fix-and-flip projects.Kind regards,

If you're trying to get traveling nurses or single professionals then the tub shouldn't be a deal breaker. 

Currently I'm having a hard time filling my rooms, and it's making me re-think should I allow cosigners if I screen them more? 

You want to make sure the seller is willing to get involve all the time they are asked by the bank to do so. 

You are living next door for a year so your choice to rent to someone may have a direct impact on your life (unless you are not home most of the time).Cheers and good luck!

I doubt you see much appreciation over time.

If I can't do this the house loses money big time like 800-1200 a month.

That's a big discrepancy.  

If none, NY and NJ are not the best spot to "try" one as your buy-in is very high, cost is high, lag time is long, and competition is fierce.