Be patient and last tip is to keep your active income as long as you can and try to continue to increase that active income every year as that will help you grow your rental portfolio much faster and live below your means. 

Here are some friendly tips to help you get started in Central New Jersey:Network with Local Investors: Join real estate meetups or online groups in Central New Jersey.

(Long time home owner but this would be my first rental so I'm on the edge of the diving board, looking down into that deep dark pool.) 

Single Fam offers more purchase options and easier to exit with a larger buyer pool.

Possibly looking for a mentor or just some tips.

I wish I could take you out for a coffee/margarita and talk about your journey and pick up some tips but that may be a bit of a drive for either of us.

I know here in PDX Multi is starting to tip over in some areas..  

I have never purchased through one so I am looking for any ideas, suggestions, tips, etc.

Put your top 3, bottom 3, and any questions or tips for others below

I've heard about how helpful the forums are and wanted to try posting my situation on here for some tips and guidance.I'm just starting my investing journey and my friend informed me of a house in my area that is about to go to Foreclosure.