I've been a resident of NYC for over 25 years and now at this stage in my life I'm ready to step into my own home(s) with the intentions of  becoming a landlord of multiple properties.  

Both our incomes combined would allow for multiple purchases in the next few years to come. 

I've received multiple different answers as a new investor.

one on construction coming up - FYIhttp://www.scorefairfieldcounty.org/workshops

If you are buying 10 or more, as an example,15 cu. ft. refrigerator, at once, try going to a vendor and ask for a discount for multiple purchases.

I am not sure what route in real estate I want to take at this point, that is why I am open to learning multiple aspect of this exciting industry to build what will become a very nice nest egg.

Right now, anyone that stays beyond a year is slightly below market and those with multiple years are getting a deal. 

We were told multiple times that we would have to speak to the owner about the issue, yet he would never return our calls.

Lots of regulation and licensing involved to run that kinda thing like a real business, especially if you are going into multiple states. 

I've done multiple tear offs and you're budget (assuming a standard building on a standard 25x125) is in the $8000 to $12000 range depending upon the extent of plywood replacement and R value on the insulation you put in.