If you ever want to talk shop or here about some of the NY based RE startups, shoot me line.

I've owned it for a number of years and have used it as a shop / artist space, secondary residence, but not as a primary residence for a number of years as it's located about five hours from where I presently live.

@Jordan Finkelman is right, agents do a great job shopping around for you.  

I flew down Friday evening and got to work Saturday.Saturday - went shopping at big box stores to prep for the handyman coming Monday morning.

I've already shopped around for a manager and the two in my city that responded charge 20% per monthly rent.

So I'm about to go shopping for a second portfolio lender.

you can live right across the river in Vancouver pay no state income tax and shop in Oregon sales tax free..

They offer a ton of great member benefits beyond the networking and education like a passport unlimited card (Google this), Home Depot discounts, Sherwin Williams bi-annual rebates, classes, weekend seminars/work shops and the list goes on.

There would have to be a group of people interested in opening shops and other businesses in the town as well as a robust enough economy to support those businesses.

I probably wouldn't do it to fund a down payment for another property that will be conventional financed because the lender will see th at you've been shopping for a mortgage.