Should I stick to NJ or is there an easier market for a fresh face to get started in? 

You mention current tenants may not be taking care of the property...have you had a chance to see the inside and investigate? 

Although AirDNA is a good place to start, do some of your own investigating as to what others get. 

Your advice for a young pup, such as myself, fresh out of the gate with minor capital and little experience?

I would investigate/research how much equity you have in your townhome since you purchased it - hopefully it would have appreciated some because you've likely only paid down a few thousand dollars on the loan.

Doesn't matter if you have their ID, it could easily be fake, you have no way to check.When I am showing a house I am investigating the tenant.

But to me only to the following degree: When I want to go catch Red Snapper I look for Salt water, not fresh water.

In the thought of if I could have my living experience be whatever I wanted...what would it look like.I came up with this list: Barber shop / Salon pallor, Car wash center, neighborhood grocery story (with good produce, beer/wine, premade but fresh over ready meals, and all my hygiene needs, on site bar or restaurant, community gathering area, a co-working space with small offices I could rent if need but a shared space also, a lap swimming pool, a real deal gym (not a hotel gym), sauna, on site laundry service (offered at a premium), and on site cleaning crew (additional cost of course) to clean my place.All of these things would be set up as additional sources of revenue for the apartment some that are directly operated others that just lease out space (like the salon parlor or something)Structurally it could look something like this: Sub basement: Lap pool / locker rooms / saunaBasement: Full real deal gym (anytime fitness level type) - could be directly operated or space leasedFirst floor: The amenities floor - could be directly operated or space leased2nd or third floor: Shared co-working space (residents get a discount and are priortized but its still open to the public for a cost)All floors above are living space.Has anyone ever though of this before?

Paul rent control laws since we are starting fresh with renovated units we can set where we like to start out, but STR would be a way to keep one of the units out of that space. 

This is where you have to get your investigation hat on and really dig in.