There could also be non-profits that are looking into improving certain portions of the city as well. 

Great job!

By helping my tenants I have improved neighborhoods (my homes are the nicest in the area) stabilized them - home owners tend to stay longer and take better care of their homes, and helped improve the credit and lives of those I help.

I usually look for minor value add opportunities, like paint, drywall, and other cosmetic improvements that can quickly make properties much more appealing.Best of luck investing!

Sometimes it is just that they want too much for the property or the realtors didn't do a good job at trying to sell the property. 

And lower when there are job losses.

(I already have a job;))@David Bokman Do you know any wholesalers in northern New Jersey?  

My long term goal is to have rental properties that generate enough passive income to quit my Mon-Fri job and free me up to travel.I found BiggerPockets through a podcast search on real estate and have been hooked ever since.

Now that I'm between jobs, I'm becoming more involved in my properties.  

Account ClosedI don't have a 9-5 job, but I find it easier to just go on Zillow or Century 21 and put the criteria I'm looking for to find deals, since most MLS deals are posted on those sites anyway.