I think it would be helpful to add custom questions to an application. 

Our ideal scenario would be to rent out our primary home for a few years while we house-hack in a new area. 

Ideally, would prefer a CPA with knowledge of WNY/Buffalo market. 

Another tip I learned from another investor as well to counter a seller's desire for "I want over 8% interest on the loan cause that's what i'd get in the stock market" is: 1) If the seller is to act as the bank, they are to treat me (the buyer) like a bank customer.

I still haven't done enough research to decide yet, but cash flow would be the ideal scenario to hopefully replace my W2 income. 

Well they paid this one man to pick up trash during the week and go around and draw lines for parking spaces or fix anything that would break in three small food area that they also offered if customers got hungry or Thirsty.

The best I can do is having a custom shed installed (something about 6'x12'x6') out in the front yard (is this even being too generous?

I've got a long time customer that almost never looks at the good deals I send them, but send me deals that are trash. 

A house hack via FHA can get a 4 unit and a basement, which would be ideal and create major cash flow and equity creation, plus you can not worry about a property manager and boost your yield.Personally, I am very bullish on New York and NYC itself.

The less headache the better for so new properties would be more ideal.