However, I'd have to partner with other investors (I'm on the "Poor Dad" circumstance of the spectrum with a growth "Rich Dad" mindset for the moment) in order to make it happen (the goal being to use funds from this first experience to put towards next property... to be rental... and continue in creating a portfolio).My question to those of you who may have started in similar circumstance (no money, seeing great potential with a zillow opportunity with land for sale for residential development nearby, etc.). how do take the next step? 

I have a chat with tenants, talk to neighbors, get lunch/dinner nearby, go walk to a store close by, etc. 

I don't know what platforms they use to advertise their units to this market.If there is a nearby university, I recommend advertising on Sabbatical Homes (sabbaticalhomes.com) and the university off-campus housing site.

Other than that, I would look into nearby countries. 

Then the home I lived in made a good rental because of nearby public transit even though it was over 50 years old.

Hoping to close my first property within 2 years, I'm wondering what strategy to use or if I should stay in my nearby SD market.

I know one recommendation was to go to the local hospitals nearby and speak to their HR staff but that seems like too much work:)btw, I am targetting the NJ state but a platform that targets nation wide would be ok too. 

If you go to a housing website (like Trulia or something) and look at a house, there should be a section on the page that will show you what local schools are nearby & how many crimes happen near the house.

The part where the bath is located is finished but then there is like a crawlspace nearby where the furnace, meters, etc are installed which is not finished (there's soil and the building foundation)I would eventually want to move the bath to the upper floor, not sure how much that would cost or if it is even possible.

We know a place nearby that's not in as good of an area rented out for $975, so we're optimistic.The market we chose was voted as one of the top 25 hottest markets in Florida.