Definitely a good way to free up capital for additional purchases as long as you don't over-leverage and end up in a situation where you're not cash flowing.

You can only reduce your spending so much, I'm not sure how the job marker there works, but I'm sure you can find some way to move up financially.On another note, if you are able to increase your income, for long distance investing you're definitely going to want to know someone you trust who is knowledgeable in the market you're trying to get into.

Definitely check with a local real estate attorney.

CT is not cheap either... but definitely not as bad as NYC.

Definite nope

Definitely shop around with a few mortgage brokers also.

I would definitely verify the upfront cash needed.It all depends on personal preference and condition of the home but for me the maintenance and capex % is a touch low.

Our state is very unfriendly to investors targetting homeowners in distress, and the definition of "in distress" is pretty vague in the law itself. 

Definitely vacant. 

After I get my 10th and final loan, I will definitely use this method.