They said that for some reason, when the court ordered the transfer of the property into their name, it was never properly recorded and they've been trying to hunt down the court order for the last decade.  

I feel like this is an easy question, just looking for an easy straight forward question.

Otherwise, he may realize that you need him more than he needs you.It gets a little convoluted but it's fairly easy to distinguish what the deal would be worth if you farmed everything out vice relying on people who are bringing more to the table.

If your budget is low try Bayonne a little further south but still fairly easy to get to Manhattan.

Are there other things that would be easy to get a good return on?

He's very knowledgeable about construction and actually answers his phone and is very easy to get a hold of.

Are the properties insured properly?

I'm glad you found your way and I'm sure that wasn't easy to just throw up on the forums; I appreciate you taking the time for that and being so honest.

My first was a live in rehab turned rental and it really made me see how profitable and EASY real estate investing is.

Being “properly zoned” is only part of the issue....two units may have other restrictions such as different set back requirements, additional required parking, etc.