PS: Here is a detail tip.

3.Any experiences or tips on navigating financing as a non-resident would be greatly appreciated!

They learn from every loss, improve their process, and move on to the next opportunity.

However, HML's will move quicker and have more flexibility in their terms, with a higher interest rate. 

My father is a certified contractor in NJ—he’s built one home, flipped four, and consistently handles upgrades and maintenance for me and his other clients.I’d appreciate any tips or stories from those who’ve turned equity into a profitable venture.

If you're keeping it a separate studio rental and want to maximize the space, then removing it seems to be the right move - and definitely reduces the liability.

—it’s also about reliability, attention to detail, and someone who just “gets” your space and your guests’ expectations.Do you have any hidden gems, local recommendations, or tips to share?

The only thing that makes these properties turn key is the fact they are move-in ready for a lower income tenant with low expectations.

To end the call they will tell you "you seem like a great candidate and i want to move you to the next step" so again, more positioning. 

A lot of my out of state real estate clients really like this market because the macroeconomics look so good for this market - population is growing, job growth is growing, and so many companies moving and developing here.