I would highly recommend full background checks and ensure you understand the tenant/landlord laws in regards to approving and denying applications.  

However in the past I've done the majority of the physical labor on the jobs, and have grown weary of this part of the process, I've tried hiring contractors but pricing seems so high it's hard to make deals work, so my question is where do you find people to hire full time for general work like drywall, flooring, painting, etc.....

Investment decisions are highly dependent on each individual's assessment factors, period of time assessed, investment financing, etc.My current ROI is far far greater now than when first purchased. 

The TI for fans and certification for pressure is quite high.

Have been studying and searching for deals in other markets.Prices are too high in Long Island to start investing on our first deal.Does anyone have any experience investing in markets near NYC?

The capital gains was not too high a price to pay to have the option to do more things with my money.

This tiler’s quality is very good.Thank you!

And secondly, the quality of your specific portfolio - rents stagnant?

I personally have not rehabbed a house with fire damage, but I'm close with two highly experienced investors who have done so.

My thinking tends to be finding underutilized properties in high demand STR markets.