That said, if the property is of serious interest to you, to the point of potentially writing a LOI, it's worth your time and work with a local commercial broker to walk you through the process.

Always work with local people who know the current zoning restrictions!

I would find someone here or a person at a local REI  to help you get to another level! 

She was interested in buying RE, mentioned it to everyone, and got lucky with a chance conversation at her local bank.

There is also a local real estate section, not sure how much traffic for NJ. 

Find a local investor friendly Realtor, ask them for a referral to a quality local property manager and have them help you find a duplex that needs some cosmetic updates.

Hey All,I've been working on getting my first rental(Multifamily, 6-12 units, locally) and I think I came in too ambitiously.

There is a lot of activity on local FB groups for that area.

You could always find individuals and then start one, or join FB groups and then try to find members that are local. 

Have local rents gone up or down?