If I include my husband we could get more on the HELOC but it seems we could have more buying power if we purchase separately. 

In winter time, you might check the utility company that powers the furnace once in a while to be sure there is heat so that your pipes don't freeze.Some jurisdictions require you to be responsible for the bills if the tenant does not pay. 

Super ballpark: Each ~$1500/mo of rent will yield ~$75k of buying power. 

I know that potentially buying the vacant home from the city is an option; however, I don't have the cash or the will power at this point to try and figure out how to buy a condemned home, fix it up and turn it around.The property I have under contract is in great shape for the area that it is in and having assumed that there wasn't a vacant property next door I estimate it would have rented for above average market rent.Here are some of the deal numbers to help give some more context.Purchase price: $70k20% down at 5.25%Only upfront cost put into property would be a couple of appliances (~$500)All-in for ~18k estimating $3.5k closing costsReasonable estimated rent: $850/mo (under circumstances of normal home next door)Cash on Cash ROI: 8.7%Cashflow + Paydown ROI: 13%Any advice, comments, constructive criticisms would be appreciated and helpful.

Thoughts on power lines and property values rentals. 

I'd like to network with like-minded New Yorkers to make some power moves here in NYC.  

@Melissa Jolley I'm not 100% sure but i know from multiple sources that ruling cost have sky rocketed since we built in 2016 so I'm not exactly sure if that's the case but could be a good point.

We pay a little extra for wind power for our primary residence (which is nestled under too many shade trees to consider solar)

I wish I had only realized the powerful tools there were available to me as a service member earlier in my career.First, don’t discount HI immediately Yes, it is a tough market, but you have some advantages including this forum.

My main focus is to have more buying power and speed when shopping deals... and i want to buy apartments. someone please help!!!!!