Meaning you can get a good solid income from buying blue chips like an office building in Manhattan but if you're looking to do better than you need to either have good timing/be lucky or be opportunistic or contrary.You have probably heard plenty of stories of people who have made tons of money in real estate in the last few years both commercial and residential.

I only question whether the rents and property values will truly continue to go up--I think the large gap is still there between Manhattan and BK, which would be in our favor but I also know there is only so much people can afford. 

You can make some money in the PF/GBurg area IF you are willing to self manage.

Through our coach and a few other key advisory people, I was turned onto the Rockefeller Habits, Verne Harnish's book "Scaling Up", and Lewis Schiff's (of Inc Magazine) group - "Birthing of Giants" program based out of Manhattan.

In addition they do not have 'first access' to new deals in remote markets.As @Brian Burke says, decide on a market, get to know it as well as you can including who transacts in your budget range and if this market can meet your expectations without it being a unicorn; for example, and being extreme, you are not going to find this kind of deal in downtown Manhattan.

While I am not sure where you are in the NYC area, I know that concessions for rental properties in Manhattan are over 20%.

I started with a company Citi-Habitats in Manhattan while I had a full time job(wasn't the best move).

Yes I noticed taxes in some townships are high but some are still relatively low with only 20-30 min commutes to Manhattan.

My name is Joba and I am a current insurance analyst for a mortgage firm in Manhattan looking to start my investments within RE.

However, if you do not know anything about a topic, don't just make it up as you go along, I have seen some pf that as well.Am I off base or do people agree?