Since you have already completed the rehab "R" the house will appraise for more than you paid (value add), so you can pull that money out and Repeat. 

I “thought” they would come back and get the second in the next few days.Unfortunately four weeks went by and despite certified letters and phone calls to the previous owners from the realtor, it was never removed.Ultimately I paid a guy $275 to make it disappear.Obviously, I have not been happy having to deal with this problem for the last month and the fact that I had to pay for its removal is maddening.Especially since I feel that both realty companies, the previous owner and the contractor all walked away with my money and I was left holding this bag.In the future I will not make this mistake.But, my question to BP is whom should I attempt to get reimbursed?

A simple google search should show you where that is and who runs it.Other than that, simply being on BP can lead to great knowledge of the business and how it works n your field. 

I put 25% down, paid closing cost, rehab and carrying cost.

I have searched in Binghamton and find the same situation.

We are looking to finance the purchase with an FHA loan and stay within a one-hour commute to Manhattan.I have been searching for good deals on Zillow and Trulia as well as talking with a few different brokers.

I have worked with investors out of state and overseas and always make sure I get pictures and video if needed, I have also done repairs myself and paid for them so know what things cost and know what should be charged to do the repairs.

I am 33 and I would have it paid in full by the time I retire.

Another  good resource we've found for networking is the RVA REIA group, which you can find by searching Meetup.

Finding a realtor at one of the meetings may be best as they clearly have interest in investing or working with investors.Check meet-up dot com or search for real estate meetings online.