TLDR: Go ahead and do it at your property if you want/need one for a personal reason and hope to break even financially when you want to sell.

Visit in person to try and gauge the repairs. 

I personally do not have the funds to put a down payment worth 25%, but i do have family that may be able to help me if i can actually find a deal and can explain it to them if it makes sense (my mother mostly likely and my grandmother!)

Are there are any real estate agents you would recommend from personal experience or from follow investors that focus in Michigan City, Indiana? 

But, just be sure to keep your personal investment goals in mind...because ultimately a lender does not get paid unless they, essentially, help you acquire a loan.Honestly...personally, depending on exactly where my investors are in their investment journeys...I typically recommend exploring the financing route.

This would be for our personal residence, we plan to keep our current house as a rental.  

you won't be able to pull a permit. when someone lives in it and it doesn't have HVAC, plumbing, or electrical right and it burns down like another garage I tore down and someone lost their life in linden you'll get hit with a lawsuit. good luck. you'll also be the first person I've ever seen to get a second adu built in linden.

Since you're in Central Jersey, I'll keep my advice general.First, think about your personal strengths and how they fit into your investment strategy.

i do not know anything about this person you are referencing but i never understand these types of questions. 

Remember to leverage tools like Bigger Pockets' forums, podcasts, and webinars to stay updated on market trends and investment strategies.Your journey in real estate is unique and personal.