Until you can double your budget, you're better off staying in Columbus or nearby - at least you'll know the neighborhoods there. 

Always budget for 10% more than your rehab estimate.

But you can’t possibly bring in a specialist for every aspect of home renovations and still stay under budget right?

Still have to budget for roof, appliances, hot water heater, hvac, bath and kitchen remodel,etc.

Nicely designed architect renovations (even done on a limited budget) typically sell at a premium in nyc vs the typical HGTV flip reno.

My take on it, it's best to overestimate for necessary or foreseeable costs then under budget just to make a deal work. 

Have 7-12k reserve budget for repairs/updates at the moment. 

If I was on a tighter budget, however, and couldn’t afford a PITI payment on top of my living expenses, I probably would instead put my focus into increasing my income and/or decreasing expenses, as opposed to investing my money.Additionally, I have a goal of retiring from the 9-5 lifestyle by the time I’m 50 and relying on my RE investments for income.

I decided I wanted multifamily, close to work, within my budget.

SFR Or townhome NO HOA.My Budget: Anything below 225,000Loans I will be using: -Navy Federal Credit Union: Home buyers Choice.Or-5% Conventional loan.