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. 

Where we invest we have family so we do visit a few times a year and can always have family go visit the property.

Removing all skills from the equation, if you don't take a break from participating as a real estate investor in some way each day, you will stay far ahead of everyone else who keeps subbing themselves out and then asking to get back in when the game is already out of reach.

But you could always request an inspection checklist from your Section 8 and start getting those things taken care of ahead of time. 

Particularly for your first few properties, I'd highly recommend that you manage the property yourself (if possible), but that's usually only possible (or most effective) if you live near the property or visit it frequently.

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I'll definitely visit Niagara Falls.

A local property manager will make this much easier and handle the visits for you.Single-family homes can still do well, even with more apartments popping up, as they cater to tenants who want privacy and space.

Like you're pointing out, it's nice to find a location that's early in that cycle.For most STR buyers here in Colorado, your motivation better be as-much-or-more to have a place to visit in the mountains because you're cash-flowing a little but nothing spectacular. 

In the near future, we’ll be visiting The Shoals area in northern Alabama, where we’re considering a potential move this spring.