Investing in New Jersey vs. North Carolina

[Erik Cabral]

Hello BP community! My very first BP post! Quick intro... I recently left the creative industry (print/digital graphic design, art direction and creative management) to pursue this new passion of mine in real estate investing. 

My original plan was to invest in North Carolina and join forces with my sister, who lives there and is a real estate agent. As most of you may already know, NC is a growing place for all things real estate. Not to mention, overall costs relative to New Jersey (where I live) is extremely low. I'm strongly reconsidering that plan and starting to think about flipping homes and investing here in NJ.

How many of you would recommend staying in NJ? I've seen some strong growth projections in NC real estate for the next few years and would hate to miss a window of opportunity. 

The Positive: there seems to be a surplus of homes that mostly need "paint and carpet" in the 50k price range. The Negative: uprooting my family (sort of, kids aren't in school yet) and leaving friends behind.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Best,

Erik