Worked on a movie with him in St.

In an ideal world, wholesalers would not be allowed to operate anywhere, but that will never happen.

Check out the movie "Gasland" ....

Ideally, a QCD is used.

If the properties are in "bad areas" you probably will have less interest in the units when they need to be rented, and attract not so ideal tenants that will give you headaches (late/non-payment of rent, don't take care of property, etc.)2.

I agree that the property isn't an ideal rental. 

Ideally, I am looking to purchase a two family and house hack.

I agree--waiting would be ideal--but I am under the gun.

Area has to be close (up to two hours driving time, ideally one) to NYC. 

That has been the only way I deal with investors, agents, attorneys, etc.