Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

Are others playing the long game and hoping for appreciation or is there something I’m missing with the economics of North Jersey?

They’re also the investors who miss out on the transitioning neighborhoods because physical observation is the best way to spot the neighborhoods that are transitioning real time.

Am I missing something here?

While your parents may have experience and a simpler approach, even with just two properties, you could miss out on key deductions like depreciation and interest without professional guidance.

I attend 3-5 meetups monthly and we have local meetup https://www.cirpp-live.com/ been arounds since 1974 and we meet twice a month (one network night at local spot food, drinks, socialize and one day 1130am-1pm guest speaker and food at I-Hotel on campus) that have found vendors, private lenders, etc.

Is there any details I am missing her that would she some more color into the length of the situation?

My license has expired and since coming across BiggerPockets, it made me miss my interest in real estate.

It is hit or miss no matter where you go.

If you are missing any of TIE, you are far better off financially hiring a local property manager.