Look for motivated sellers off market and market via cold calling and or direct mail, geofencing, advertising and the like.A good wholesaler is as @Ericka Parrott mentioned, direct to seller, did good underwriting and can deliver an actual "Deal" whether buy and hold or flip. 

It worked to motivate the tenant to get caught up. 

Their plan is to raise rents (on the poor remaining souls, improve infrastructure and exert some sweat equity. 

On your tax return you would report the proceeds, subtract costs and proceeds paid to seller, then the remaining profit would be your flat fee.

Use your HELOC to purchase the duplex outright for $118K.Your brother’s $50K down payment can immediately go toward reducing your HELOC balance, leaving a remaining balance of $68K.Create a formal lease-to-own agreement with your brother.

But I would remain open to long-term rental as an option as this seems like a more stable option in terms of income, again this may be my inexperience talking.However, I have always  been somewhat risk averse and investing in real estate is always a big venture, in my opinion/experience, in terms of capital.

I want to remain local in NJ or at most drive down 1hr to PA (self-manage or, last resort, hire a PM)However, I must also consider maintaining reserves, a safety net for my primary home, and an emergency fund.It's just hard for a new investor now :(

However, national rent growth remains at 1.1%, with a slight 0.5% dip from Q2.

The details of the incident remain unclear, but they intentionally granted access to someone who subsequently stole major appliances.

The terms remain the same, we still pay the monthly mortgage payment.