Anyone Have Experience Investing in Multifamily in Paterson, NJ?

[Andrew E Ferrara]

Hello All, newbie here from Bergan County, NJ.  I've found a bunch of deals for Multifamily properties in Paterson, NJ, and was interested in understanding if anyone had experience investing in this area?  As some of you may already know, this is not a great area and have pockets of high crime.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.  I am going to look at two properties tomorrow!  Thanks!

[Ryan L.]

I invest in Paterson, although in vacant land, a small commercial building, and tax liens at the moment.  My wife is from there and a large part of her family still resides there.  You can't write off the entire city as "bad", which is why local market knowledge is important.  Neighborhood investing is extremely important here.  As a rule though, the 4th Ward (North of Broadway to River St) and the north side (north of the Passaic River to the Prospect Park/Haledon/Hawthorne border) are the highest crime areas.  Secondly, the north side floods horribly as well.