However, I do everything myself just for the pride factor, I like to look back and say ya I did this. 

(Although my one biggest limiting factor is I don't have a large amount of money as a back up, although it might be just enough, maybe 30K).Thanks for any ideas.  

Regarding neighborhoods and tenant hassle factor, I would say Elizabeth is a step above Newark, but right behind Linden But of course this can be broken down neighborhood to neighborhood. 

I never visited that area but know and visited near that area, i know that the area is a moderate to high crime area. and i also know that for that area they do maintain consistent blue collar/factory type jobs. so as a rental area i think from what i have learned thus far, is that this is a good rental area barring the crime. where i choked was the distance, and started thinking how will i maintain it from a distance.my questions i guess would be. those who have experienced similar situations what did you do?

A little about me, I am 37, single and currently work as a Server at the Cheesecake Factory.  

Pari, another factor I consider is the size of the community the property is in.

Anything potentially noisy or otherwise annoying nearby - airport, train tracks, Interstate, big factory, sports stadium, race track, etc?

-Redemption PeriodA factor I consider, but low on my list.

The key factor is whether or not you are able to find off-market/distressed properties.

We get a lot of the guests that are like “Hey, I’m not working at the Cheesecake Factory here in Raleigh for the next couple of days, I’ll grab my girlfriend and run down to the beach.”