Had my eyes set on a NH for a little while now and wanted to see if anyone had any advice/insight on claiming a 2nd home / STR property in NH as your primary residence in order to take advantage of NH not having state income tax.

Your financing options are going to be limited and more expensive as well. 

I’m a big saver and the reason I’m looking into real estate is because I want to set up myself so that I don’t have to ever worry about money.

For instance, in a scenario where several properties in an area are sold at a discount due to defaults, these sales set a new standard for cap rates in that area.

Newer homes are not always the "safest" - you'd be surprised at some of the high cost repairs that even new homes run into.I don't have an age limit on homes I would operate - many of mine were built in the 1950s and are great structures!

Lastly, even if the "on market" prices for rental properties are really high in the area you want to invest, who said that you have to limit yourself to only "on market" properties? 

Also NEVER use a pressure sensitive glue unless you are using it as a wet set which is a permanent install.

Also ask about rebate programs and recovery time limits.  

We've been dealing with this is in Gatlinburg city limits for a couple of years now. 

FSBO, expired leads, local homeowners)- Nurture your network consistently via phone, email, text, in-person events- Set as many appointments as you can to get in front of people and explain your value proposition... then go back to nurturing the contact until they have a question or need something from you- While doing all of the above, try to avoid/ignore the 'shiny objects' that are sold to agents on a daily basis.