So while it may seem awful that your rates jump from .10 cents to .15 cents, at least your not paying .40+ cents (on average) like folks in the central and eastern U.S.  

I've looked for a bit but not too in-depth but I know properties out here are ridiculously expensive.I don't mind going to the surrounding areas (NJ or NY state) but I would like it to be accessible to manhattan via Train and a drivable distance.my question is, does anyone have any experience with buying properties in NJ, upstate, Long Island, even maybe eastern PA (big maybe). looking for a good ROI and somewhere not too far from the Boroughs.

But Eastern US is not gonna benefit you.

In eastern states closings are done by attorneys.

Standing by....I am able to finalize PayPal tonight before 11 Eastern ..

We operate a team out of eastern PA and our goal is to use our system to train / mentor investors and connect them with agents in markets meeting their critera for deals.

We are situated across the Southeast from Texas to Alabama and have optional plans to expand to the eastern seaboard and down through Florida.  

I am in Eastern Idaho.Here is a bit more about my project-- https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1136927-land-...

My wife and I currently live, invest and manage properties in a small town in North Eastern Ontario (4500 population) in a similar situation where the main employer (paper mill) shut down 3 years ago. 

Hi All, I personally was discouraged by the GTA market due to the cap rates etc and now focus my investments and flips in more of eastern Ontario which have been quite successful over the past two years.