Submit offers and negotiate terms with sellers, being prepared to walk away if the deal doesn't meet your requirements.

If you can secure a lease option it MIGHT be valuable, but will require significant due diligence by a solar developer (available capacity, environmental due diligence, location to substation, 3 phase power lines etc.).

I think it would be difficult to house hack here due to the high cost of real estate; I also avoid investing in NY as it is not a landlord friendly state.  

You need to definitely avoid some pockets in Raleigh & Durham that a lot of wholesalers, agents and the like, prey on the newbies to fall victim for.

No self employment required.  

VA loans typically require no down payment and have competitive interest rates.

Only the first option requires a new deed.However, for a note, a more common way is to give him a mortgage to secure the note, and you'd record the mortgage at the court house.

Only neutral or negative.At worst, tenants thinking you are just the PM buys you time to avoid them putting you on the spot for an immediate answer.

It's been great in years past, however, due to saturation and stricter registration/compliance requirements, bookings have really dried up here and many are converting to longer-term rentals. 

@Krishna RanaGetting started with real estate investing requires several key steps to reach your financial goals.