Journal Square vs. The Heights in Jersey City

[Kai Shen]

Hi all,

I am a newbie to BiggerPockets and new to real estate investing.  Right now, I am close to making my first investment and would love your suggestions on the pros/cons of JS vs. The Heights.  The 2 properties are about the same price:

Journal Square option - 3b/2b Single Family corner of Van Wagenen and Stuyvesant Ave.  About 15 min walk to the Journal Square PATH.  In good condition but oldish house.  Would this be easy to rent?  Is it too far from the Path?  I like Journal Square but not sure if this is a good neighborhood, the street looks a bit dodgy.

The Heights option - Small 3b/2b newly renovated condo.  Near Beacon and Baldwin.  Supposedly also 15 min walk to the Path, but this is north of the 139 hwy.  It's in my opinion on a much nicer street and close to Palisade Ave.  It is much smaller than the option above.

My strategy is to rent it out and get close to break even on 30 loan with 25% down.  Most important thing for me is to be able to rent it out at a reasonable rent to reasonable tenants.  

Trying to make this decision now, so would really appreciate all your help on this.

Thanks in advance