This is a post based off of curiosity.

Without a firm base and working familiarity with these three areas the investor will not have the knowledge to analyze, negotiate and close advantageous real estate transactions. 2- Experience - the first few deals are likely to be smaller, harder, with more “surprises” and not as profitable as the investor imagined.

Quote from @Samuel Hudson: Hello friends I am new the market and recently bought a home in Weehawken 6 months backs .Its a three family home and we are currently doing renovations Right now.The rent leveling board told me that two units would have to follow a rent of 1650 for unit 1 which has three bedrooms and another unknown amount for unit 2 which they don’t have the information for .The previous seller I purchased the property from bought it as a tax lien .He has kept the property vacant for two years with no tenants before selling it to me .However ,the previous Owner he bought it from must have had tenants .I am putting in a lot of money into renovations and want some clarity on the situation I am in .The property has been vacant for the two years and currently still is as we are doing renovation .It would be really appreciated if anyone can assist me on what information needs to be provided by from the previous seller for me to be able to set the rent based on the market value .Thank you . 

A quick internet search led to quite a few complaints by people claiming to be ripped off, had deals fall through, or simply getting the run around each time. 

So - somewhere 2 hours away, or somewhere you like to vacation in, or where all your family lives, or where you plan to move someday.Too many people are trying to do exactly what you're doing - pick a market based on a formula - and they end up buying a random 'cheap' property thousands of miles away, turn it over to people they've never met or even spoken to, and then... lose money.  

They use demand-based pricing like anyone else who cares about revenue. 

Note if you go over 4 units, your valuation will be based on NOI and comp rate.  

I have a W-2 Job, capital saved up for a down payment (or two), and a buy box based on my affordability.

Typically its done for open space or use for community property (ie. fire station location or other county use) and typicaly would assist in increasing tax base.  

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.You're feeling FOMO because you see people all over BP, YouTube, and Instagram bragging about their success.