Obviously I would pick the one with the highest cash flow and COC if I have a choice but in NJ for buy and hold in areas I prefer to look into I am finding cash flow to be positive bur COC around 1 to 2%.

The choice to bring the 1st current should be an equity decision.

For your options, a duplex that can pay you to live there would be the best choice if you don't need a single family home.

Make your choice @John Burtle

My only choice is CA, as my license and manpower for the rehab is already in place; and since my credit score has insufficient history, and no paystub/W2, I'm stuck with 20-25% down, which, if I re-invest that 100-120k back into the company, I could get a minimum 50k a year, without the fear of cost overruns or property not being sold.

@Annette Ammarell I have come to several crossroads in my career, where I had to make choices that went completely against what the crowds were telling me.  

Thanks again for all of your responses, I think the most prudent choice at this point is to simply educate myself thoroughly before starting anything involving real money; thanks for the suggestions I think I will look into getting an RE license as a starting point, as the education would prove beneficial at a fairly reasonable cost while allowing access to the MLS.

I recently made the choice to enter the world of REI. 

Success is a process, failure is a choice

Hi @Walter Key, I would have to recommend Keller Williams as a brokerage of choice down in Florida.