From your post, you already own the property subject to the the deed being obtained from the County.

Did you go with postcards to start out or did you obtain a list and mail out direct letters?

Trust, but Verify EVERYTHING.First property should be SFR.Generally....Lower tenant quality with MF, but obtain economies of scale. 

I was a realtor in the UK for about 3 1/2 years, decently successful.I've just obtained my sales license here in America, and I have a choice between three brokers to make.

Unless the area is zoned for multi-family, your chances of obtaining a variance from any township in NJ is slim to none.  

What helped you the most in successfully obtaining your 1st deal?

Here is what I think needs to happen: 1) Obtain HOA approval and amend by-laws to gain official ownership.

Also, the quality of the property will directly affect the amount of rent you can obtain. 

Years ago when my wife was getting her education she was presented with a choice to further her education and obtain her doctorate or settle for a masters .She knew it would mean many more years of school (12 years altogether) and well over 100,000$ more in student debt on top of what was already owed .

With regards to non-performing institutional notes, I get asked weekly by various folks to provide them with my sellers and avenues for obtaining tapes.