I have done a handful of flips using cash, partnering with friends, and making it work. 

A landlord friendly state won't save you from a bad deal.Not trying to be discouraging, just realistic. 

Quote from @Samuel Hudson: Hello friends I am new the market and recently bought a home in Weehawken 6 months backs .Its a three family home and we are currently doing renovations Right now.The rent leveling board told me that two units would have to follow a rent of 1650 for unit 1 which has three bedrooms and another unknown amount for unit 2 which they don’t have the information for .The previous seller I purchased the property from bought it as a tax lien .He has kept the property vacant for two years with no tenants before selling it to me .However ,the previous Owner he bought it from must have had tenants .I am putting in a lot of money into renovations and want some clarity on the situation I am in .The property has been vacant for the two years and currently still is as we are doing renovation .It would be really appreciated if anyone can assist me on what information needs to be provided by from the previous seller for me to be able to set the rent based on the market value .Thank you . 

Hi @Michael ElliottWe have financed about 15 STRs in Encore for a client and I have another friend buying the second largest unit and the largest lot there.

More important than identifying target areas is establishing relationship with a local investor-friendly professional who has personal experience in investing in Cleveland.

This deal and the one before it came about from networking, building a relationship with my property manager, an investor friendly realtor, and learning what makes a deal a deal.

I have a friend that takes sec 8 tenants.

I think one of the biggest analysis paralysis thoughts is on landlord- or tenant-friendly areas.

A friend years ago had over 40 inner city rowhouses.

Maybe a family member or close friend?