I’m totally new at this so searching for advice.

Have you looked into any specific states yet, or are you still exploring options?

For funding, explore options like FHA loans, personal savings, or creative financing, and focus on New Jersey markets that align with your goals, such as Newark for rentals or commuter towns for house hacking.

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

I'm not sure I have full confidence in this property management company.

@Alan Asriants this is accurate and thorough.

If you do not do your market research correctly, it doesn't matter how great your list is because you will pull a list in a bad market.

I suggest running an analysis and just sharing it here on BP.I am also happy to hop on a call and point you in the right direction based on some of my experiences- no matter what, keep at it...this stuff takes time.If you get a deal here in Chicago and need to partner up, I am your guy!

Any tips on where to focus my time is greatly appreciated!

I'm interested in learning about rental property investment, looking to build a rental portfolio, exploring real estate investing to replace my income.