-------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I checked the Better Business Bureau for complaints, I checked the NJ State Attorney General consumer division to ensure he was licensed, I checked every reference he gave by visiting sites and speaking with the homeowners. 

In order to get there it would be good if you could keep feeding cashflow proceeds back into acquisitions, on top of your continued W2.Speaking from experience, you can manage probably 30-50 units yourself nights and weekends before you really need to hire someone.

Again, this is due to how long it was taking to get work done, the quality and lack of communication (I'm happy to post examples as well), and frankly, the quality of work expected once I realized how many things I was not told about before the purchase.However, you did not offer in any way to address issues left by the prior tenant and made it clear that it was my responsibility.

You also need UX, support, quality, a million other things.

I think the first place to start is evaluating quality deals.

.- They often get sold Class C or D properties while using Class A assumptions - then wonder why they are losing money.Here's some copy & paste info that you hopefully find helpful:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Many education programs that could be scams promote junk services and the quality of all they sell or promote is definitely junk. 

Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants.

Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants.