Look for any possible problems with upkeep or repairs that might influence your choice.

Caveat here is that it is possible if you put down a large down payment.Some angles to consider here are properties with lots of bedrooms which you could rent out by the room, or larger lots that you could improve (ADU) and force appreciation on.

Additionally, acquaint yourself with New Jersey's security deposit regulations and be prompt in addressing maintenance issues, possibly with the help of a local handyman.

Although they may be on the same page when starting out, so many possible disagreements or unforeseen circumstances could arise. 

There are ways to deal with these situations, and it depends on the property and the lien holder, but it's possible to do some pretty incredible things if you are willing to invest a little more in legal costs to close the gap on your losses.  

Here are some steps and resources that may help you confirm your numbers and conduct due diligence:Rental Income Analysis: To determine the possible rental income for your duplex, look up the rental rates for nearby homes that are comparable to yours.

I just need to know if it's a bad idea to hold onto your house if the rent will only cover mortgage or possibly be lower than your mortgage cost. 

build as small as possible is my tips to doing well. highest density and smallest Floorplans possible.

That said, you can change it later on so you could keep in your personal name if you are okay with the possibility of having to change it later on.

I hope to expand my network and learn as much as possible here.