If you have identified where you want to invest first, this is much easier to do.Feel free to reach out if you need further help, like for example in sorting the wheat from the chaff.

Ideally I want to do some sort of bridge/fix and flip option for renovations and then refi around 2.5/3 years once increased rents are stabilized.

Mentally, this will help provide motivation.

im not yet into foreclosure since this process is more delicate, i rather dealing with nice houses, and seller who have motivation to sell because of divorce, or job out of state relocation, 2 mortgage payments and cet.

I think a townhouse in West midtown could be the best bet for you to house hack of sorts.

Have you thought about what sort of strategy you will implement? 

However, I am concerned about getting a good deal on a property without some sort of value add which in my mind would mean a property that needs some sort of fixing. 

May want to consider some sort of compromise where you are able to house hack a house while not over extending yourself.  

@Jahsad Hollman - Lots of stuff happening in the area you are looking at, and lots of motivated investors around.