We bought our 2 family in the Bronx with FHA 3 years ago.

Any good lawyer can do a search online to see how many properties an entity owns, more the better - bigger payday$$$.That is why most CRE properties have one LLC per property, to limit exposure.  

If the infrastructure is good and it has recently been remodelled and bought up to code...

I'm not quite sure why he bought it to begin with, I haven't asked him that yet as I feel that's a bit intrusive (maybe I'm wrong?).

I have been reading books, studying online, going to seminars in my area, and I am just starting to listen to all the podcast on the site.Although I live in NY, the market is extremely difficult to get into as a newbie investor, as most would know.

Much of it depends upon the fact that you hypothetically bought the property for cash.

Online marketing is very competitive.

Meaning, they must alert the parties that the property is being bought and sold shortly thereafter.

Have you bought notes through either of those sites before?

That's dangerous.1)Get it from looking up other going rate rents online for rentals comparable to yours online2) call the agent your using the MLS and get real comps3) google local property managers and get their opinion.