Population is 188k and we will surpass 200k in no time.

I've asked several people this question privately and gotten several different answers (no surprise), so I thought I'd pose this question more publicly here:The sellers market seems perched to turn with housing supply about meeting or maybe even surpassing demand. 

Typical wholesalers do not take the time to get to know their buyer they think quantity surpasses quality. 

The amount that surpasses the security deposit is worth going to court (over $8k).

Use financing as leverage and make sure your rental income is surpassing your mortgage Principal, interest, taxes, insurance and operating expenses.

I always accept the most qualified that surpasses my screening standards.

Currently has a tenant paying just below the 1% rule, with market prices allowing me room to surpass exceed 1%.

People that I have seen focus in RE geographically (this assumes they have done their research and picked performing or up and coming area), typically surpass others who will buy in a larger geographical spread. 

However, I need a house for when we move to SC and the amount of time it would take for me to save up for a down payment would surpass the time we would be moving to SC so I need to act relatively quickly which is where I am stuck

Specifically, aiming for $5k/month by age 35 and grow the portfolio to keep up with (or surpass) my monthly needs thereafter.Currently SeekingEducation and connections (NYC/Jersey City area) to be ready to invest in my first property (most likely a SFR or multi-family) with a buy-and-hold strategy by mid-2019.