Then it happened again when the city tested the fire hydrants and left one running & it flooded the basements again.

I see people all the time talk about chasing the fire within and that's what I'm trying to do but don't quite know where to get started in an industry I don't have much formal training in.

Lessons learned?

If it isn't a health or safety issue I would say sorry but we can not install such an item on our windows.  

Then you can join a project and grow your experience.Typically I see 3 ways into working in real estate syndication :Pay for a Mentorship or NetworkSelf-Educate, Hard Work and Action - "Go It Alone"Partnership - Provide value in a groupI would say the first is the easiest, but nothing guaranteed. 2nd is the hardest where most lessons are learned. 3rd is optimal.

Lessons learned?

How do I get these off-market sellers to sell to me when the market is on fire?

We are not required to provide a refrigerator with ice water . in New York , landlords are required to replace anything that poses a safety hazard. yes , You can add the cost to a rent increase , but you don’t have to mention that’s the reason. 

Lessons I learned:Have a Balloon payment no more than 3 years awayCollect Down payment as it will give tenant incentive to keep paying and not walking away from the house.Have a higher interest rate like 8-10%Price higher than what it's worth as you will have to discount the note if you were to sell. 

Lessons learned?