However , if you can find similar buildings/property near by that shares enough characteristics, using that as a relative comp might be beneficial.

They also update frequently as they respond to feedback from landlords.

There is a frequent trend with people moving from the bigger cities to Myrtle Beach and Asheville my guess is retirees, retiring soon, and/or people who can afford a higher cost of living. 

Cheap deals frequently encounter this issue because the rehabs are to extensive.

I still have to assess how it will work for an individual like myself as I believe the current cap is 90 days without owner on site but it can be increased for individuals who travel frequently.

I can't tell you if the partnership with your cousin is right or not without knowing either of you but the characteristics of a good partnership are complimentary skillsets, an operating agreement that clearly states who does what when and who gets what when, equal risk and equal motivation, constant and honest communication, and following a clear business plan. 

I am an investor focused agent here and my team will very frequently have larger off market multifamily deals available.

Many deals in the most desirable areas go to all cash buyers and are under contract frequently the day, or a handful of days, after hitting the MLS.If you're looking for deals in the area, I'd either suggest looking in slightly less desirable areas (like, say, parts of Newark, East Orange, other parts of Essex County), and/or positioning yourself and your finances such that you're either able to make all cash offers, or pounce on deals as soon as you see them.

I would assume so but I've never changed so frequently before.  

My experience: typically I'll spend quite a bit of time doing my own initial search/investigation of all the parcels... add a deposit ~$1000-2000 to allow me to bid in the bidforassets auction, spend more time with title/feasibility/etc research on 1 or 2 that really interest me in the week prior to the auction... but the last day before the sale the properties that interest me frequently get paid off.