Does anyone have recommendations for lawyers who are specialized in tenant/landlord issues, especially familiar with Hudson county: jersey city, west New York, union city, and north bergen? 

This is just a start, but I think with a bit more information, you can avoid the usual answers here like, KC, Indy, Memphis, Austin, Cleveland, etc, etc (these are ALL fine markets, but I would assert that investing in any of those cities is NOT always the best choice for the out-of-state investor, based on answers to the questions above, as there are success stories on REI in almost every town in America).

Going to speak to someone in city.

The biggest tip is that this scenario really only benefits the contractor.

I have chosen a few markets around the USA to begin with including Des Moines, Salt Lake City, and the beautiful Pacific Northwest (I know large area, refining based on potential relocation) to start with but trying not to limit myself at this point.

I am looking to start my REI career soon and want to hear from some of the rehabbers in the city of Chicago who are doing it well!

I live in Nevada but have been looking in bullhead city AZ for rental properties.

Its a great place for cash flow and depending on your investment strategy there is a very wide range of types of investments.I have been working on the investment side of real estate for several years now and know the city very well when it comes to buy and holds.I own a few myself and have and have wholesaled and worked with a ton of buy and hold investors.You need to be careful of what you are really buy in SA though as what you are experiencing in Austin is happening here as well but mainly on in low-end properties.

There are few other strategies that are not listed here, but I would also look at city auctions, sheriff auctions and find a property that may be within the conditions/boundaries you both are looking for.  

I attend school in STJoe, MO, and I am originally from Kansas City, KS.