New Investor in NY - Flatlands

[Artem Gonchakov]

Hello BP!

I'm new to this community and pleased with all the information available for newbies. 

I keep working on my RE self education and at the state of learning how to analyze properties.

I do plan to invest in NY (All boroughs) or NJ, even tho I understand it's not recommended for various reasons, anyway, hope for advice from experiences members.

In Brooklyn there is Flatlands neighborhood with extremely comfortable prices for 1/2 bedroom apartments as well as single family houses (from Auction) less than 400k, considering area medium of 650k. I checked crimes rates and read about it a little - looks good. It can't be that simple or I just missing the point.

Hence my questions to the community are following:

1. What do you think about Flatlands in Brooklyn as an investment option?
2. What other areas, like Long Island specific, might be "right" place to go with beginner attitude? 
3. Any specific NY questions to ask Local agents?

Thank you and have a great day.