I know it may not be ideal, but that's a $1600 a month difference to you. 

It's 1br/1bths which I consider less than ideal in FayettevilleDefinitely some opportunity there 

Up your auto coverage too, personal liability insurance is cheap.  

In your case I would definitely go with the smart thermostat, because you really don't have an ideal setup anyway - the heat will never be the same everywhere in the building, with the people on the top complaining of the heat and the ones on the bottom complaining of the cold, both in summer and winter.

@Joseph Canini, the ideal scenario would be to acquire properties while you had steady income as it would be easier to get a mortgage.Without a "job" you will need to purchase via your cash, private loans or HML, which will cost a lot more.You could look for a JV money partner.

Options: ideally increase your income and reduce your debt.  

I recommend just calling multiple agents off of listings and speaking to them for awhile.Share you ideals and goals and see how they respond.

Then you only need to pay one set of closing costs when you pay then off with your permanent loan.A third option that would be even more ideal would be to arrange private funding from a friend or family member who has money to invest (or multiple people could pool their money).  

She is upstate about 90 miles north of NYC. if there was a way to wholesale it legally without having to actually "pay" for it that would be ideal.

It is not an ideal situation but because of the instant equity and proof of a trend of appreciation in the area, I am strongly considering it.