The main issue I have while creating the website is a lack of an MLS in the country, with no listings being accounted for in a system. 

You have something they lack: full-time employment, with other people, who also have money and want to invest in real estate (whether they know it or not).

@Christopher Phillips If I'm interested in a property, and in this case the broker is the seller who listed it as a cash only purchase due to lack of comps, is it worth the effort of trying to find an appraiser who's willing to accept a similar-enough property to complete the appraisal? 

I am so excited to begin this journey, but I currently lack the tools to confidently execute deals without any legal issues (especially when dealing with such large NYC deals). 

Some have found success in Fairmont/Clarksburg, but same story with the lack of multifamily properties (some in C/D areas).I am interested in different areas that cash flow well, but still on the lookout.West Virginia is an interesting rental market for sure.

  $50,000 in equity on a sale may not go far in buying more units especially if you stay on the north-side where lack of supply and additional demand is pushing pricing. 

Even if the downturn is 20%, you would still be able to sell and almost be made whole after transaction costs.There isn't a good reason (other than lack of time, perhaps) to not try to get deals that you could "BRRRR out" of if you wanted to.

However, it may be that your particular situation (DTI, credit score, etc) is such that you won’t qualify for as low of a rate as someone with a better financial position than you, so comparing yourself to others isn’t always apples to apples.

Write a budget for the project (I overspent in some areas of the rehab due to lack of proper budgeting)3.

If you are having trouble finding duplexes and triplexes due to a lack of supply, try modifying your search to include homes that have a guest suite or in-law suite.