Any input, advise, suggestions, cautions or tips on investing in New Jersey would be greatly appreciated.

Also, which option would make sense for me: a HELOC or a Home Equity Loan?

Most family trusts, especially in CA, provide little or no liability protection (see self-settled trust rules). 

Or if you have crazy old paint that really should be redone anyways.

The pitfalls are obviously bad neighborhoods (easy to gauge talking to brokers or running crime maps) and also find the right property manager depending on the size and class of the property. 

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

I reviewed Form 8824 and after much research I generally feel comfortable completing the form as well as how to depreciate the carryover basis and additional (or excess) basis using either of the two allowable methods (general and simplified methods).  

Also laws change and hosts didn't have a backup plan or know how to pivot.

Hi All, Can anyone recommend any CRM or tool primarily to keep track of my list of brokers?

Some sort of owner occupied strategy (house hack or live in flip) is probably your best bet for a first investment.