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I am in NYC but thinking of expanding my search to NJ. 

In the past when I am looking for a property manager I google to find all managers with physical offices in close proximity to my properties to narrow my search and ignore all sponsored adds that fake that they are local.Since you have self managed, you will be better equipped to "manage the manager".

I am not looking to make major improvements, but I am looking to enter and secure it.

First you need to learn to separate the following:Maintenance: usually things related to wear & tear or tenant damage.Repairs: usually broken items like doors & windows, caused by tenant or nature.Capital Improvements: usually expensive things that wear out: hot water tanks, furnaces, roofs, etc.The seller is correct that Repairs & Capital Improvement items should not be a factor for awhile (ALWAYS get your own inspection to confirm).

Do a search on google, syndication websites, reddit, etc2) research the rang e of return for that type of investment.if the typical return is about 8% to 12%, I would be skeptical if you were getting offered a 24%+ returnBest of luck!

It's all about the location, you might be able to buy a cheap house, but if it's in an area with nothing but other cheap houses and in an area that is "not desirable" you're not going to make much money on it, either in improvements or rent.

And even fewer people seek to improve their ROI on BOTH the things they are not achieving and the things they are achieving.

And lastly, I search FunishedFinder listings nearby, find comparable properties, and track the listed rent for a few months (does it increase, decrease?).

Our average construction time is about 8 months after permit is issued and we  are always improving.