But you won't know until you take that first step.To use a basketball analogy, you're dreaming about playing for the NBA when you haven't even tried to play a pickup game at the Y.

It sounded like the way you were writing that you might be doing a lot of online research and sending out offers, but since you mentioned an agent, I wanted to check.Are you getting enough reps seeing houses to know what your offer prices should be?

I’ve spent months doing online learning, lots of property analysis, and meeting people.

I played professional baseball for 4 years and don't have any experience in the real estate world.

His criminal record shouldn't play a role if he was released from prison five years ago and has held a steady job, has good landlord references, etc.Disorderly conduct looks pretty minor, and I don't see how it poses a risk to you.

Are others playing the long game and hoping for appreciation or is there something I’m missing with the economics of North Jersey?

We have bought only a handful of 2nds but to me, the 2nds game is a volume play.

Do you think the high property taxes play a significant role in shaping your investment strategy moving forward?

So I wouldn't see how 6 months would come into play on this. 

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.