Actually most first time investors form an LLC with an experienced one to qualify for competitive loans.

If you are looking on market, you really just have to be quick to jump on a deal in the area since everything is pretty competitive still and it is kind of difficult to find cash flowing deals listed on the MLS. 

You're also being overly cautious, which is understandable but also inefficient use of time. if the market is competitive then speed is the key, he's trying to tell you to go fast and you're resisting, do you have his best interest in mind?

I am unsure if I should invest locally (within NYC) given that it is super competitive and overpriced.

Once the work is complete you should then get it quoted with a carrier that will be more competitive on the pricing since all the risk will be mitigated at that point. 

The consumer expectations of STR Hosts are not going to drop, as more professional STR hosts enter the market (which they are at a rapid rate), consumers will demand more, and hosts will have to deliver to stay competitive.

Not only is that more eyeballs on the units but it seems it can bring in much higher prices as a $129 1br condo on Airbnb is a lot less appealing relative to the competition (which has plenty of 1br options in that range and many even cheaper) than it is for a $129 1br suite with a kitchen on a hotel aggregator next to high end hotels that are smaller and not any nicer but run $400/nt and up (and probably double that for anyone that narrows their search down to hotel suites instead of single rooms).In fact just for fun I looked on Airbnb at people self managing their units on airbnb and the nightly prices in the same resort were listed from $13 (!!)

My understanding is that competition is significant in Charlotte proper, and because of that (and also because I will be in Belmont, not Charlotte), I plan on wholesaling and subsequently rehabbing in Gaston County.

The MLS is too competitive right now.

From what I understand their business model is getting paid by the banks and the banks so far are offering it free of charge to attract clients and stay competitive.