Buy and Hold in South Florida from NJ

[Mina G.]

I currently own a duplex in NJ, I live in one apartment and rent the second one. I have about 30% equity in my current property. I tried to purchase a second property in NJ but my debt to income ratio is too high. Especially with NJ Real Estate Taxes. (Hard Money Lenders require 30% down payment (which I have) and 6 months of reserve which I don't have). 

Should I continue saving and buy a property up here where I would be able to manage it or should I buy in south Florida and hire a property manager?

Thanks in advance!