Best markets to invest in Central NJ

[Jake Drappi]

Hello BP community,

I am a rookie investor looking for multi-family properties in Central NJ market that I can house hack for a year or so.  I am also looking for a property that I can add value to with some sweat equity (paint and carpet, not a full rehab).  The markets that I am starting to evaluate are in Middlesex, Monmouth, and northern Ocean counties.  I am looking at school districts, city rent control policies, annual incomes, neighborhood class, etc.  I am curious to what cities/areas experienced investors in this market are looking at and why and also what areas to avoid.  I will be putting together some data that I can share on BP for others as well after I finish up my market analysis, but figured it couldn't hurt to see what information I can dig up here on BP.

Thanks!