I could also use some help learning about NJ population movement, housing supply, employment, planned public utilities, transportation, etc, if you know of any resources.

My dilemma is that I havent fixed on a strategy yet and am between pushing my budget to the 250-300 area and buying something that will hopefully appreciate (which based on my perception of Birmingham macro economics isn't sustainable) vs buying something more on the 100-150 range that I can perhaps rent out later on down the line when I become more comfortable with the market and / or there is a correction and prices come down, thus allowing me to move into something larger... any insight into the local view on the Birmingham market would be appreciated.Thank you

Decomposing Berkshires’ portfolio into ownership in publicly traded stocks versus wholly-owned private companies, we find that the former performs the best, suggesting that Buffett’s returns are more due to stock selection than to his effect on management.

Expect a reposition project to take 2 years, not for a positive cash flow but changing the neighborhood’s perception of the place, this doesn’t happen overnight.I normally look at a project in 3 main areas:1.Management2.Building upgrade’s, repairs and landscaping3.Reposition tenant baseYour tenant base is very important, this will be the people that don’t want to move and that tell their friends what a nice place they live in (free advertising).

The clerk of court handles then holes process of notices, and yes everyone-owner and lien holders-get a minimum 30 day notice prior to the public auction.  

I hope to change that perception.  

I hope not because I just laid out my plan on a public forum. :-) 

Red bank meeting is next Thursday at public library.

Perception of higher quality on the rehab

The exact amount of income depends on the size of your family, but if you qualify for food stamps, welfare, or other public benefits, chances are that you will be eligible for our services."