I've been considering single family and multi-family (no more than 8 units), and ideally something local to me (central NJ). 

In an ideal situation, the refinance, at a minimum, will allow you to recover all of the cash you put into it, and still have good cash flow.

@Julian JosephI did a conventional mortgage. 3-5% down (I legit can’t remember, it was all so new to me, and some of closing costs were seller paid), 5 bed, 3 bath; still currently living there now. 

since I deal in the position of the bank for my day job..

uh...uh...because...yeah...I don't remember."

Look to find best deal during 2018 holidays (ideally close on a home before 2019).2.

Just remember: most negative reviews are written by problematic tenants.

People think that is the way to go but I've been listening to recommendations for about 4 years full time and I've heard good and bad stories about them about 50/50.So you can maybe understand what a 61 year old is saying that spent about 30 years in construction management and real estate might know what he is talking about is worth remembering. 

Ideally looking to house hack a multi-family unit in the Fort Lauderdale / Miami for my first property.

So, here's the set up - I recently scored a new job and my ideal situation is to start shopping for investment (multifamily) homes in the next 6-8 months.