I'm sure if you did a quick google search you could find something similar for NJ.

Our particular friend wants to be a passive investor and wants their money back as quickly as possible.

I think it all depends on what your risk tolerance is, and what your timeline is for how quickly you need to access the money.

Let me know and I’d be happy to work through some quick analysis and see if I can help you out.

Ideally, I’d like to buy a SFH or small multi unit with a VA loan where we can buy at a discount or force appreciation with some renovations while living there to gain equity quickly, then rent it out or sell when we move.Any advice on some areas with a reasonable commute to the Naval Station, good schools and low crime?

I figured it was time to post a quick introduction. 

It's not a big deal for them to generate some comps real quick.

@Christopher PhillipsOur plan is to start with flips to build capital quickly, then focus on rentals to build passive income, and once we have a stable base of income from rentals, build other tiers of income.

Most of all, I want the freedom of creating my own destiny a la "Rich Dad". 

Although I don't consider Rich Dad Poor Dad necessarily a real estate book, it's what started my journey to this website inevitably.Currently I'm stuck with limited resources as I'm floating somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea somewhere, but I've already completed a few eBooks from Jay Scott, David Lindahl and Brandon the founder of BRRRR.