Looking to buy first real estate property around NYC, any advice?

[Vincent Sottile]

I work in the city and would like to keep the commute short while also starting to invest in real estate.

Any advice on where to look/start? Is it a good idea, or would I be better off focusing on a cheaper and up and coming market?

The rent I currently pay is a burden and I would like to eliminate it through buying a property that I could potentially use the next couple of years and then sell/turn into a rental.

Would you recommend using a realtor, why or why not?