Start small and start simple - hit a good solid single that pays you every month - I will aim for bigger returns through flipping or refinancing once i have a steady stream of cash to help offset the risk those things bring.  

Typically they tend to cash flow well so a 4 unit might hit those 1% rule.I'd also highly recommend local real estate meetups, as you'll get local insights

Additional Details:The property is in a desirable area with good amenities nearby.STR data from AirDNA shows decent revenue potential, but the lack of comps makes me hesitant.I’m looking for a balanced approach that minimizes risk, even if STR performance doesn’t hit expectations.If anyone has experience investing in Cincinnati or navigating markets where STR data is sparse, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

You can still easily find 3-4 MF properties in the $500k-$700k range hitting the 1% rule with positive cash flow.

You have a good amount to plunk into a strong multifamily property in Northern New Jersey, but you will be banking on appreciation more than cash flow.

Pros: Diverse job market, low unemployment, great resilience during recessions, nice appreciation, 1% rule can be hit if you look hard enough, great economy, good schools, Midwest nice.Cons: Extreme weather at times (hot/humid summers, tornadoes/hail, brutal cold in Jan/Feb), high insurance premiums, property taxes also really high.

If you can secure a decent discount then you could hit .9-1%.

And the self-showings, Zillow just did the biggest beta test of this, and it failed epically. unless loosing tens of millions is the goal, if that's the goal than they hit it out of the park. 

Like Brandon mentioned - you sound like the picture perfect classic "DSCR Loan" borrower - dscr loans are made for exactly this typically - LLC friendly and usually the best fit for when investors hit the 5 or so property mark and hit a roadblock with banks, cash etc like you desribed.Check out this 12-part article series published here on BP on all about DSCR Loans, hope it helps!

The section 8 policy on treatment of tenants had an obvious effect as the hit to dignity caused them to move.