I have learned that in today's world of information you do not need to limit your investment to just markets you live in or normally travel to. 

For instance, knowing the income limits, family size requirements, and the types of properties that qualify can help you make more strategic decisions.

One thing to note when getting conventional mortgages and spouses.There is a 10 limit per person for conventional financing.You can either do 10 conventional in each person's name which would be 20 mortgages for 2 people or if you do the mortgages jointly, will only allow 10 in total.My thoughts are not to own joint assets until you are both married. 

Recent discussions in Bloomberg and the Yale Law Journal shed light on the challenges posed by traditional zoning regulations and offer insights into potential reforms that could benefit co-living arrangements.Zoning Laws and the Definition of FamilyTraditional zoning laws often define "family" in narrow terms, typically limiting residential occupancy to individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

With rent control in NJ, yeah, it’s mostly a waiting game if tenants don’t leave.

From my understanding (not a lawyer), that ordinance has been lifted and there is not limit anymore.

Of course, it was due to extenuating circumstances which neither you nor the lender had control of.

As well as limit you potential top end profit.

Looking to limit the amount of cash I need to put in (ideally under $10k) by leveraging different financing options @Eric Huntermark I think less than $10k down on a purchase price of $150k is going to be hard to find.

Private Money Lenders are going to be hard for a primary residence as it is an investment and typically they want to see a return prior to two years - also, the house would need to be purchased at a discount which would limit your options on a primary residence - now if you are looking for something that needs some work that you are planning on fixing up, it would be a little more feasible.