Coming from a farming background I think your best bet is option two.

I really want to turn that active/ordinary rarned income into passive income as soon as I get credit and learn more about rental properties, leases, etc..

I looked this person up again as far as CPA status and they are still listed as active.

(Assume all outside money is just that, money, and these outside investors won't have any active roles in operating/managing any of the properties.)

@Nick W.I've been active in the Kansas City market for several years and know it well.

Yes if they are actively working with you as a buyer or seller.

You should start actively networking.I believe @Brie Schmidt is a local and should be able to guide you.

But I’m afraid I’ll play the safe bets and there are only two options. 1) Purchase to short term rent in an accepting community.

I've gone through enough real estate education to know that just about everybody recommends pinpointing certain areas -- zip codes or sometimes even neighborhoods -- in which you see a lot of cash-buyer activity and targeting those areas to find houses.

Your best bet is to be close to public transportation which is plentiful in NJ and to househack to optimize finances.