Looking for north NJ, TX, FL experts

[Raz Francesco]

Hi everyone, I recently retired from the Army with total disability which means I'm fully Exempt from property Tax on my principle residence in NJ TX and FL (I heard they dont care if you rent after you lived in for some time). I am looking to buy a property using my VA loan live in it , renovated it and later on rent and refinance it, basically BRRR

I'm pre approved in NJ for 400K, in TX and FL for 600K.

in NJ I'm mostly interested in Essex county as long as it near the train to NYC. I like Fort Lee/ teaneck too, but seems harder to find deals over there. In TX I love Dallas but super competitive and far from me. In FL I was thinking of Orlando.

Does anybody have recommendations on how to take advantage of my property tax exemption and VA loan? What cities/areas you'd recommend to focus on ? Considering I can deduct the PT, cashflow should be better.

would you recommend TX or FL over north NJ?

Thank you for your advice !!!

[Mark F.]

Hey Raz,

I've lived in all three states for some time, two due to the military. Texas and Florida is a much lower bar to entry and have been seeing population growth. North jersey, where I live now, has high rental demands but has an extremely high bar to entry. 400k won't cut it in Essex, especially right now. Other than Dallas, I know all the areas you listed pretty well. Honestly, FL and Texas property taxes arent that bad especially compared to Northern NJ.

If I were in your shoes, I'd pick which area you'd most likely want to live and invest second. Personally I love(d) all 3 but my heart will always go to Orlando. So yes, I'd recommend TX and Fl over NJ. Good luck and keep the questions coming.