If you are interested in finding Mentors, I recently wrote "The Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors"- check it out!

If you are looking for cashflow then let the number be your guide.

If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing and don't forget to set up your Keyword Alerts! 

I stuck with it, was fortunate enough to have a long term tenant, and now the value has gone back up all while the mortgage being paid down.It was a rocky first investment with lots and ups and downs, but I'm glad I stuck with it and learned a lot of valuable lessons.

I'm in West Orange, NJ so anyone in the same area (preferably) or not, willing to guide me through my first couple deals would be highly appreciated.Thank you in advance,Lavaud

Be sure to check out “Learn” for all kinds of useful resources and free how to guides.

I have been learning from BP guides for the past few weeks and it has been extremely helpful.My goal is to create passive income from rental properties and build up my portfolio.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.You mentioned an interest in flips, house rentals of SFH and duplexes so I added links on those niches.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/07/19/how-to-buy-a-duplex/ (guide to buying a duplex) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Good Luck BP Webinars Meet BiggerPockets Members:How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets Setting up Keyword Alerts 25 Tips for Real Estate Success Check out the Start Here page Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide Listen to BiggerPockets PodCast Voteshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Ultimate beginners guide is a great start.