However, since the large NYC tenant population would benefit from such largess, the votes go the way they always go and NYC holds sway over the entire state - ruining our way of life here that is profoundly different than the values held south of the Tappan Zee bridge.To add insult to injury: Given, we're still mired in a much more restrictive state eviction moratorium because of an EO by the King Gov that has lasted from March of last year until at least May 1, (bet ya $100 it will be extended again).  

His business has suffered due to the pandemic and the lack of demand for his services.2 weeks ago he asked me that he would like to extend his lease for another year; the lease does not expire until the end of May (30 days notice). knowing the difficulties he starts to have with rent payments and the line of business he is in, i don't expect his financial situation to improve anytime soon.In order to avoid an eventual non payment of rent and eviction procedure (complicated during Covid), I was thinking about doing a month to month lease instead of a term lease.

As you can imagine it has been very difficult to get a plumber over there and get the water heater fixed or replaced as many people all over our state are suffering from plumbing issues from the storm.

That is a win-win if/when you get there and expect them to be a bit "yeah, that's  a bit pie in the sky" response to you on this but what's important is dropping that nugget early, and with each added deal adding to that stack one stone at a time and eventually, they will bring it up to you and start extending capital offerings at you. 

In fact my inspection period had already lapsed when I made the repair credit request (bc the seller wouldn’t sign the addendum I sent to extend inspection for a few days)

I doubt that you do, so you need to re-evaluate how do business.To the landlords and all real estate agents, STOP making tenants pay for what is not necessary just because you people lack to think outside the box or want to extend your consideration and only think of ways to cheat people out of their hard earning income. 

However, as I think of other benefits, I see a couple that I wanted to run by those with experience in this realm.1) Am I right or delusional in thinking that the properties that have not participated in rocket-like appreciation will not suffer to the same degree if there is another downturn if the cash-creating spigot ever turns off?    

Sadly the same thing that caused his business to suffer caused downtown properties to lose demand. 

My husband, my six-month-old son and I are trying to find a rent-to-own property in Southern NH (specifically Concord, Manchester, and extending toward the seacoast).

Sure it suffered due to COVID, but you want to buy when there is distress.