The fixer-upper route is viable and you will be pleased with the appreciation and value once work is completed and you can expect to get great rents.

Does anyone know of some creative ways to get in on a furnished apartment for a short time like this and not pay an arm and a leg?  

I have been a DIY homowner on my 2 previous fixer upper properties as well as my current one.  

The search engine in the upper right corner of the BP pages usually pulls up a great amount of links.Good luck!

Something turn-key that will attract great tenants or a fixer-upper where you can build some sweat equity.You can definitely quit your job in 5 years, with some smart planning, hard work, and a bit of luck.

I would like to find someone to break both their legs, but I cant afford that (just kidding)  Help!

Don't rely on "the association" to do the leg work for you.

A lot of people seeing the prices go up on beautiful renovations a couple blocks over, putting their fixer upper on the market for similar prices and hoping to cash out.

for example, I know a 36" sink base is about $250, and a 18" base is about $150, and a 12" upper is $100, if you take pictures, you can draw it out, go to Menards or HD and look at the stock one to get an idea, always estimate high. 

I want to use my construction knowledge and experience to start investing in fixer uppers around NYC and in New York State.