There are many tax accountants on Bigger Pockets that can help you with your situation. 

Being a NYC resident (originally from Long Island), the price of entry in the area is on the higher end, so I've been considering some options in the NY Capitol region, as well as NJ and CT.

Solid curtains, water fountain in the backyard, adding trees at the property line nearest the freeway, white noise generators are all other options.

You make $10k from STR, you have to come up with $22k out of your pocket, not to mention the upfront $100k down payment and possibly another $20k to furnish the house unless you bought it as an existing STR.So in summary, in today's market, it's impossible to buy a STR and be a passive owner and still make enough profit to cover your mortgage payment. 

Talk to the seller, but options are to cancel the sale (and risk losing your deposit), renegotiate to lower the price to allow you to fix the problems or ask them to fix it. 

So far NNY Homes has stood out as the best available option.

If they do need financing, then speak with your lender about their new build financing options. 

The more cash on hand the more options.

I am slowly going crazy with how expensive Massachusetts is and I am leaning towards looking at cheaper foreclosure properties.I understand there is some risk to this but I am beginning to think this is the only option I will have because of how fast the market is growing.Thank you for any insight you may have!

Hi Harrison and Alexander,I work as a realtor here in Calgary and have helped a number of bigger pockets investors.