If you are good with the hammer and know some construction you can get the ugliest house and turn it into a very nice priced gem. 2) If you get a nice amount back from your sell in NJ you can put a minimum down payment on your primary residence (again be open minded so you can get a good deal), and then you can put a 20% down payment on a rental property that way your rental pays itself off and helps you pay part of your primary residence mortgage.

Originally posted by @Giovanni Gravesande:What about the RD "mentoring"?

Let's look at finding deals . . . . . . . for single and  multifamily1)  Track listings on MLS (being your own agent is helpful so you can act fast, but not for everyone)2) For multi family, I would also watch LoopNet or Costar3) get on a lot of wholesalers list and sift through the junk to find the gem 4) Attend local REIA meetings and get to know the players and let them get to know you, they might have a pocket listing.5) Direct mail potential sellers in areas you want to buy -  - code violation lists (I send about 1000 pieces of mail a month)- probate (or even obit records for all deceased owners of property) - look for deceased owners of duplexes and send letters- direct mail probate attorneys who might have families dealing with rental properties- direct mail nursing homes - caseworkers who help families transition- farm specific areas where you want to buy and direct mail the absentee owners.- know of a group of properties you would really like, keep telling the owners of your desire to buy and when they sell, they will call you first (most good duplexes sell this way to friends or contacts that connected with the owner) they don't often get listed for sale, they sell to family or friends.

I uncovered that gem on Reddit. 

I scanned 30 houses daily and looking for a hidden gem.

Old North is a hidden Gem here in town to find investment properties.

I agree though that Bothell is a gem right now and I would love to invest there.You mentioned Monroe.

CALL NOW for a tour of this lovely gem on Caucasian Avenue!

Investment Info:

Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Purchase price: $120,000

Cash invested: $10,000

off market deal, subject to purchase. Worked with the seller who was motivated to h...

Purchase price: $240,000 Cash invested: $150,000 Sale price: $495,000 This quaint 1500 sq. ft. home in the most desirable portion of Glen Ellyn is a hidden gem.