I'm not sure if this could be a major factor for someone like me in choosing an area to invest, but the statistics suggest that Huntsville has a lower overall vacancy rate.

I'm looking to meet like-minded investors and make new partners with people serious about investing in the New York City area.

You can network with all sorts of local investors that may be doing what you want to do or attend focus group meetings to specialize in niches like multi family, flipping, landlording and more.

Do you know what the conversion rate is on cold calling these lists? 

"Cash Flow" nowadays seems to be a lot tougher than the years past with rates and home prices (and HOAs) the way they are.

But having worked for one of the larger syndicators with about 13k units under management, all in suburban areas of the major metros in SE, the one beds typically did NOT see any noticeable lower occupancy rates than the twos or threes.  

Can any syndicator present at your club's meetings?

It will increase the ARV which could mean more cash out in your pocket, or a better rate because a higher rate could decrease your LTV. 

Learn from books, chats, courses, and meeting people.

Don't need a certificate of occupancy but does need to meet the zoning allowed.