I am leaning on local first for my next investment, but not ruling out an out-of-market opportunity. 

Especially in a more competitive market where the options are plentiful.

My recommendation would be to choose potential markets - in several price points - that have strong rental demand and year-over-year rent increases and that also are in markets that are appreciating. 

Mom and pop sold the park for a price that the market would tolerate.

If you're still interested, take a trip to the site once ground has been broken.The flashy marketing material for a new development is great, but don't put your money at risk for something that's likely to vaporize.

For funding, explore options like FHA loans, personal savings, or creative financing, and focus on New Jersey markets that align with your goals, such as Newark for rentals or commuter towns for house hacking.

But usually section 8 is the same or slightly above market rents.

Solid area, home just went on the market.

Investing out of state in the KCMO area sounds like a smart move; it’s such an interesting market with plenty of potential.

With that said Phoenix had one of the highest home price declines in the last market down turn.