First $50k investment. Which area: NJ, NY or PA?

[Or Levy]

Hi everyone,

I've read many posts, listened to couple of podcasts and I would like to start invest.

I'm looking into all-cash 50k SFH (not intrested in leveraging yet, I might refi after the purchase) at NJ, PA or upstate NY.

I would like to do a BRRR or just buy and hold but I'm having difficulty choosing where to invest. I live in NYC so I would like it to be at the 2.5hrs-drive range.

Could anyone suggest best area to start at? I will of course study the neighborhoods. I looked into Allentown, PA; Poughkeepsie, NY; Paterson NJ and others. Which state favors landlords? Any suggestions how to choose where to invest?

Thanks!