Louis, Cleveland where your money will go further than in SD.If I were just starting out again I would take the money you have to buy some niche data and wholesale some deals get another $50K and then you will be in a better position to find something here to flip.

Sellers are desperate, will pay of better in the long run 

Small claims would be better and faster, but whatever you do don't give in.

@Collin H. are you seeing your better units (location, amenities, decor, etc) outperform their numbers YoY and the opposite true to average and below average units?

I do think the rental market is ok, but I have found that a lot of NJ investors just look out as far as the prices drop.There are a lot of cool towns with better rental opportunities likely a little closer to you, but it depends what you can spend and what your goal is.

Use them as a guide and let the conversation flow naturally and you stand a better chance of striking up a conversation that can at least lead to a more in-depth discussion. 

An even better option is WPC - WP Carey, which is a diversified REIt, they have been aggressively divesting all their office properties and will soon be a principally Retail REIT, but they are still priced low with other Office ones. 

Columbus sounds like it would be a better fit for you.

Then you will be in a better position financially than having a property that was a drain. 

The pump should handle everything a tenant puts into their toilet, but better to be safe than sorry.