I'm currently house hacking a two family home in Union County, New Jersey but I'm looking to ramp up my portfolio while focusing on 2-4 unit properties in or around the Newark / Harrison area (I have a hunch this market is set to explode).I'm looking forward to adding value to the community by not only posting about my experiences but also by offering accounting & bookkeeping guidance to those with questions as I also own my own consulting firm with a focus on real estate investors.  

I believe I know the house and that's right on the border of Weehawken and Union City, so I think those rents are pretty good--may depend a little bit on the condition of the units (those rents would be high for Union City, but your proximity to Palisade Ave helps a lot, and also the Weehawken address).

A local credit union (MarineFed) offered very reasonable terms for the multifamily I am considering (about $60k). 20% down on a 20-yr am with a 5 yr balloon for under 5%.

My lender is a credit union.

I made a great connection with a credit union in tyler, called Teachers Credit Union.  

You could try Bellco Credit Union- they have a 3% down first time buyer option.

I have recently got a HELOC from my Local Credit Union and am wondering if I should purchase a home outright with it, split that up on down payments on a couple different properties, or if I should purchase a more expensive fourplex and use that as the down payment.

Usually credit union or some local banks from my understanding.  

Smaller credit unions and community banks may have viable portfolio options as well. 

My uncle had just bought a 2 unit in Union at a cash auction which he is renovating.