Newbie investor with questions

[Adiel Arvizu]

So as the topic states I have a couple of questions about beginning my first dip into real estate:

1. I live in Jersey City in the heights. So I want to know if the heights is a good investment to make given the steep 300k-900k and more cost.
2. I want to know my financing options. I would go for an FHA loan but given my situation I really can't move away from my current residence. I want to also pay off my student loans so I can get another property signed to me. So what would be the best loan to start out with?
3. What type of house should I look for. Should it be 2,3, or 4 family houses or should I try to go for commercial rentals if they are in a good enough price?
4. How do I calculate expenses? For example, what percentage of the cash flow goes toward future repairs the like?
5. Once I get the nerve and make my first investment using loans how do I snowball that into owning more properties?
6. If I do this how soon will I be able to pay off my student loans?

I think I have a few more questions but this should serve as a start. Thank you for your time.