Regarding investing in the market, please don't just buy standard mutual funds, either do index, or what I would recommend even more is read Tony Robbins book: "Money, Master the Game" and listen to the section specifically on asset allocation by Ray Dalio.  

More and more New Yorkers are moving to Jersey especially to Hudson county being very close to NY and not having to pay New York prices.  

Hi @Tony Ho -  i just sent you a note.

My name is Anthony (Tony) Jenkins and I am a professional painter who has 20 years experience in various types of rehabs including residential and business properties.My interest in BiggerPockets is to learn more about the investing aspect of real estate and then take the plunge.I look forward to networking with all the gurus out there.Thanks.

I am not restricted to NY, or even the tristate area.

Hey Tony.

Originally posted by @Tony Gunter:Yes, it can help.

@Tony Conway    wood is nice but it really depends on your rental pool. 

I have no idea how the thread got sidetracked about Little Rock.If you work in in the AV part of the high desert, you ought to track down my close friend Tony Alvarez, who's one of the biggest SFR owners in the area. 

@Tony Figurelli thanks!