In fact, before going back to school to complete my engineering degree, I had worked at that gym when the local hospital owned it years before (the gym, not the shopping center)!

What does the price and rent history there tell you?

Great school zones.  

There are many posts on BP with differing opinions.For what it's worth, here is what I use:A = relatively new construction in good school zones with high rents and white collar tenants.

@Bryan Hancock - While there is that school of thought saying exactly what you said - "Rates are low, I can seek greater ROI in XYZ investment vehicle(s)." - There are and will always be some people who favor the peace of mind of knowing they are less in debt, and less in debt sooner.

I definitely need to school up on the requirements before executing, but I have been able to get a good feel for the process so far.

House ParticularsPurchase: $142,000Insurance: $2,034 /yrPrevious Property Tax: $1034/yrHOA: $55/moRent: $1400Down: 20%Funding: personal funds + 20k loan from in-laws helocYear: 1985Floors: 2Br: 3Ba: 2.5Kitchen: Granite countertopsCovered Carport, no garageWood burning fireplaceFoundation: SlabRoof - New in 2015Public Schools: Excellent 9/10 I'm estimating a 5% vacancy (although hope to be lower since the current tenants seem extremely stable), and 8% repairs. 

Down your way you should check out the South Shore REIA by the Cape and the House Flipping School Meetup in Plymouth.  

That's why I want to start ASAP.My problem: I have great credit history.

http://a836-acris.nyc.gov/CP/CoverPage/MainMenuLooks like this is the NYC version of our county assessor website, giving access to property stats and info, maybe tax and ownership history.