I would guess just based off of the info given that your best bet for wealth building is to go low down payment in NC in a great area (Im down here, if you have any questions shoot me a dm) and hold the NJ property.

Betting this market is flat for 5-10 years to absorb the 50% inflation from Covid $. 

It won't be packaged as nice as someone you are paying $XX,XXX.XX for... but I bet you fifty bucks there is nothing they will do for you that this forum or those other resources will not know about, or help you with.  

If you’re looking to build a portfolio and save cash, Property A might be your best bet.

Best of luck and I look forward to hearing more about your progress!

Galvanized supply lines can still be holding water but be very fragile if the corrosion has progressed far enough. 

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

As soon as our lesson was over, this dude would loudly shout to his daughter, tell her to go to the local betting parlor, give her a  wad of money and a list of bets to place for him.

Did they progress through the lending/collection ranks to hone their crafts, or are they glorified stock brokers that have simply bought and sold paper without really knowing the nuts and bolts of the collection/foreclosure process.

Welcome to BP - think you are definitely starting in the right place - house hack duplex to start the real estate investing journey should be a solid bet - don't need a huge amount of capital either if you buy smart