I hope you all engage and share your problems on this thread.

First-time investors should start with their goals, get pre-approved, network with locals, and maximize learning in forums by asking questions, searching for similar markets, and engaging with members.

This game is hard enough without shooting yourself in the foot. 

It’s a new game now.  

It will definitely be helpful.There are plenty of stuff that other major platform needs improvement on so if you can tackle those, it would be a game changer.

Again, other might feel differently here.b) Skin in the game: as a conservative investor, I understand that the dirty secret of industries that the waterfall compensation is in the line with me and incentivizes sponsors to take more risk.

But then I discovered Baselane, and it's been a game-changer.One of the things I love most about Baselane is how easy it is to track income and expenses.

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

But you won't know until you take that first step.To use a basketball analogy, you're dreaming about playing for the NBA when you haven't even tried to play a pickup game at the Y.

Engaging with online communities such as BiggerPockets can also help you learn from experienced investors and explore different strategies.