Hey BP!  First forum post here.  I'm new to the investment world and trying to learn and grow as much as possible on the road to my first deal.  I live in Middletown, New York, and am interested in multi family buy and hold units in my area.  I grew up in Pine Bush, went to school in New Paltz, and now live just outside Middletown near Slate Hill.

I'd like to start my investing locally because I'm knowledgeable about the area and can be more involved in the process if it's close to home.  I've been reading various books about investing and have been looking around online at properties to familiarize myself with what's happening in the area.  My goal is to make my first purchase sometime in 2017.

I was hoping to get some feedback from anyone who might have knowledge/experience in the area, as far as what neighborhoods would be good to look into and which ones I might better avoid.  As far as I'm concerned, the closer the better, but I also understand that I shouldn't get tunnel vision.  I'm very familiar with Orange and most of Ulster & Sullivan counties, and a little across the river.

I have worked in construction most of my life so any type of repair work that needs doing is no problem, however I currently have a full time job in the city so my free time is limited.  I only say this if anyone has opinions one way or another on fixer uppers vs. "turn-key"

Any help/advice/input is greatly appreciated, like I said I'm trying to learn as much as I can to be able to make informed decisions along my investment journey.  Although I don't think I have a whole lot to offer right now, I would be glad to help other investors in any way possible, so feel free to ask if you need something.

Cheers!