I’m not very familiar with the local market and would love any insights on promising neighborhoods for living and investing.I successfully acquired both of my current properties off-market without the help of realtors, but I'm feeling a bit stuck on how to navigate the Ocean County market.

I would shop this out and get some other quotes.

This is because you have a very low barrier to entry with the downpayment, and you know your neighborhood better than any other!

I think that down here, you will find more neighborhoods that are transitioning for the better that you can add value to and get cash flow as well as appreciation. 

Is there any specific neighborhoods of Chicago that you are thinking of investing in? 

Hello, I recently purchased a property and right across the street is what seems to be a vacant property in a developing neighborhood.

In nearly every neighborhood I see rehabs going on.

I'm particularly interested in side-by-side 2/2 or similar duplexes.I'm also eager to connect with local agents, and fellow investors, and attend meetups to better understand different neighborhoods in Indy.

As an example, could the coffee shop offer them a discount (that you would pay or not) by showing some kind of card?

Or try the reverse - rehab a property to Class A standards in a Class D neighborhood and try to get a Class A or B tenant to rent it.Unfortunately, many newbie real estate investors are jumping into buying affordable Class C rentals - expecting Class A results.