The last 3, have been some very exceptional years.If it were me and I could get 7% on that 126k- which would be damn hard right now without more risk than I care for- I'd take it and let it pay half the loan every month.

But NYC remaining a desirable place to live for young people is pretty damn close (natural or man-made disasters notwithstanding).

Too many of them (flippers/rehabbers) know how to cut every damn corner plus play the local red tape to boot.

There isn't a damn thing you can do to refinance over paying for property.

At the moment, my debt to income is too high for pre-approval because of outstanding student loans, my car, and the monthly mortgage that would be associated with the property I purchase in my desired price range. 

If you're only using your own, most likely the OP, his first deal better be a good one, or it's going to be a long damn time if he ever does the second.  

Pro membership isn't going to do a damn thing about that either.

Been a damn near impossible task for years now unless I redefine what a "good deal" means.

I bet I can get damn near every seasoned agent from California to Maine to share a story about a flaky buyer or investor as well. 

Hell I’d say I was pretty damn stupid for even starting.