That being said, Nassau and suffolk are possible if you make your own deal but is it worth the time and money when long distance investing is so much easier.

I'd start by checking out @David Greene's book Long-Distance Real Estate Investing, in the bookstore. https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

I told Fred Warner and Huntington, sorry no deal, and I turned my attention to other deals. 3 months later I was in Lansing, MI looking at a deal when my phone rang, it was a banker from Huntington Bank, they said that they foreclosed on the property, they owned it, but they forgot to pay the water bill, the water was shut off and all of the residents were in the bank lobby screaming and yelling, Huntington Headquarters is within walking distance to the property.

SO, I have read Rich Dad Poor Dad, Buy Rehab Rent Refinance Repeat, and Long Distance Real Estate Investing. 

It's grown pretty organically and we've had a couple virtual meetups and one socially distanced in-person one.

Yes, but only online...I'm still social distancing.

I know some long distance investors will just look at the numbers and make the purchase without ever seeing the property.

More than willing to discuss the challenges of closing on a home long distance or through a power of attorney.

I don't want to do any long distance investing so I don't look outside of certain areas.  

Have you considered buying properties long distance?