New investor looking for a mentor in Union, Hudson, or Bergen County, NJ

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New investor looking for a mentor in Union, Hudson, or Bergen County, NJ

Olivia Tirso
New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote

Hi everyone,

I'm brand new to real estate investing and looking to learn from someone experienced in Union, Hudson, or Bergen County.

My goal is to house hack a 2–4 unit property, ideally a triplex or quadplex, in the next few years. I would be a first-time buyer, currently building my savings, and I've been learning about FHA and 5%-down conventional loans.

What I'm hoping to learn:
- How to analyze multi-family deals in North Jersey
- Which towns and neighborhoods make sense for a first house hack
- What to watch out for as a first-time landlord in NJ

I'm happy to help in return however I can, whether that's shadowing showings, helping with research or deal analysis, or anything tech-related. I'm currently getting my master's degree in computer science, so spreadsheets, websites, and data work are right up my alley.

If you're open to mentoring, grabbing coffee, or just pointing me to good local meetups, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks for reading!

Olivia Tirso

1Reply
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Matthew MorrowBusiness Member
Investor · PA - NY - NJ · Member since 2019 · 916 posts · 319 votes
4d

@Olivia Tirso welcome. I can speak to the house hack side. My first deal was a house my family lived in while we fixed it up, and living there is what made the numbers work early on. When you look at a triplex or quad, I'd compare what it costs you to live there against what you pay in rent now, not against a pure rental. Offering to shadow showings is a good move, and local meetups are where I'd look for a mentor. My team works in NJ and all of my agents are investors themselves, so if you want a local resource up your way I'm happy to connect you with one. No pitch, just someone to learn from.

[email protected]484-791-6200
CORE Team | Realty ONE Group Supreme548 Reviews
WebsiteView Page
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  • Matthew MorrowBusiness Member
    Investor · PA - NY - NJ · Member since 2019 · 916 posts · 319 votes
    4d

    @Olivia Tirso welcome. I can speak to the house hack side. My first deal was a house my family lived in while we fixed it up, and living there is what made the numbers work early on. When you look at a triplex or quad, I'd compare what it costs you to live there against what you pay in rent now, not against a pure rental. Offering to shadow showings is a good move, and local meetups are where I'd look for a mentor. My team works in NJ and all of my agents are investors themselves, so if you want a local resource up your way I'm happy to connect you with one. No pitch, just someone to learn from.

    [email protected]484-791-6200
    CORE Team | Realty ONE Group Supreme548 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      4d

      Thank you for commenting! I appreciate your feedback and yes of course Id love to connect to learn more.

      0Reply
  • Nicholas L.Pro Member
    Flipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    4d

    @Olivia Tirso

    welcome. I would just go to meetups and network, I wouldn't "look for a mentor." RE investors love to talk shop. so ask all the questions you want.

    House hacking is a powerful way to get started so it's great that you're pursuing it.

    happy to answer any questions you have and nothing to sell.

    1Reply
  • J CastroBusiness Member
    Lender · Florida · Member since 2025 · 755 posts · 265 votes
    4d
    Quote from @Olivia Tirso:

    Hi everyone,

    I'm brand new to real estate investing and looking to learn from someone experienced in Union, Hudson, or Bergen County.

    My goal is to house hack a 2–4 unit property, ideally a triplex or quadplex, in the next few years. I would be a first-time buyer, currently building my savings, and I've been learning about FHA and 5%-down conventional loans.

    What I'm hoping to learn:
    - How to analyze multi-family deals in North Jersey
    - Which towns and neighborhoods make sense for a first house hack
    - What to watch out for as a first-time landlord in NJ

    I'm happy to help in return however I can, whether that's shadowing showings, helping with research or deal analysis, or anything tech-related. I'm currently getting my master's degree in computer science, so spreadsheets, websites, and data work are right up my alley.

    If you're open to mentoring, grabbing coffee, or just pointing me to good local meetups, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks for reading!

    Olivia Tirso

    Hi @Olivia Tirso welcome to BP and to the world of real estate investing!
    House hacking a 2–4 unit property can be a great way to get started, build equity, and gain hands-on experience as a landlord.

    My advice would be to start attending local real estate meetups and networking with investors, landlords, real estate agents, and other professionals in the industry. You'll learn a lot by meeting people who are actively doing deals, listening to their experiences, and building relationships naturally. Personally, I would focus on networking and getting involved in the local investing community rather than specifically looking for a mentor. The right connections often develop organically over time.

    It's also smart that you're researching financing options and analyzing deals before making your first purchase. Understanding rental income, property taxes, operating expenses, renovation costs, and financing terms will be essential when evaluating multifamily properties in North Jersey.

    At JCREIG Capital Funding, we work with real estate investors and provide financing solutions for investment properties, including multifamily and value-add projects. I'd be happy to connect and discuss financing options that may support your future investment goals.

    Wishing you success as you begin your real estate investing journey!

    JCREIG Capital Funding
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      4d

      Awesome thank you for the advice! I will definitely look into meet ups to network. Id love to connect!

      0Reply
  • J CastroBusiness Member
    Lender · Florida · Member since 2025 · 755 posts · 265 votes
    4d
    Quote from @Olivia Tirso:

    Hi everyone,

    I'm brand new to real estate investing and looking to learn from someone experienced in Union, Hudson, or Bergen County.

    My goal is to house hack a 2–4 unit property, ideally a triplex or quadplex, in the next few years. I would be a first-time buyer, currently building my savings, and I've been learning about FHA and 5%-down conventional loans.

    What I'm hoping to learn:
    - How to analyze multi-family deals in North Jersey
    - Which towns and neighborhoods make sense for a first house hack
    - What to watch out for as a first-time landlord in NJ

    I'm happy to help in return however I can, whether that's shadowing showings, helping with research or deal analysis, or anything tech-related. I'm currently getting my master's degree in computer science, so spreadsheets, websites, and data work are right up my alley.

    If you're open to mentoring, grabbing coffee, or just pointing me to good local meetups, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks for reading!

    Olivia Tirso

    I would recommend checking out some local Real Estate Investment Association (REIA) meetups in your area. Attending these events is a great way to network with active investors, learn from their experiences, and build relationships with other professionals in the real estate industry.

    Here are a few resources to get you started:

    My advice is to attend a few meetings, ask questions, listen to other investors' experiences, and focus on building relationships within the local investing community. You’ll gain valuable insights and may connect with people who can help you navigate your first investment.

    Best of luck with your real estate investing journey!

    JCREIG Capital Funding
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      4d

      Thank you for the resources, I will give these a look. I appreciate this so much thank you again!

      0Reply
  • Joseph ScoreseBusiness Member
    Banker · Philadelphia · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 643 votes
    4d

    Olivia, welcome to the world of real estate investing! I like your approach. You're taking the time to educate yourself, build your savings, and understand the numbers before jumping into your first deal. That's a great place to start.

    I've been in mortgage and private lending for over 20 years, and I'm also a licensed real estate agent in NJ and PA. I work with real estate investors throughout the country, from those purchasing their first property to experienced investors building portfolios.

    House hacking a 2–4 unit property can be a great way to get started, especially in North Jersey, but understanding property taxes, rental income, operating expenses, and local landlord regulations is just as important as finding the right property.

    One thing I'd encourage you to do is start analyzing deals now, even if you're a couple of years away from purchasing. You'll be surprised how much you learn by running the numbers and following the local markets.

    I'm always happy to share my experience, talk through investment strategies, or introduce you to people in the industry. No sales pitch, just a conversation.

    Feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to grab coffee or jump on a Zoom call.

    Joseph V. Scorese

    1Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      4d

      Thank you Joseph for your reply! I appreciate the feedback and advice. Id love to connect and learn more.

      0Reply
  • Derek BrickleyBusiness Member
    Lender · Ann Arbor, MI · Member since 2021 · 686 posts · 234 votes
    3d

    Hey Olivia!

    Matthew and Nicholas are spot on, meetups are where you'll find your people. Started with a househack myself, so one thing I'd add on the analysis side since you're looking at triplexes and quads: run the numbers the way the lender will, using about 75% of the other units' rents instead of the full amount. With FHA, a 3 or 4 unit also has to pass a self sufficiency test where that 75% covers the whole payment, which can be tough at North Jersey prices, so the 5% conventional route or a duplex often pencils out easier. Both of my househacks I did the 5% conventional route. Feel free to reach out, happy to go through those options with you if you'd like!

    [email protected]734-645-7722
    Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group547 Reviews
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    1Reply
  • Gregory AcsPro Member
    Lender · MD · Member since 2025 · 250 posts · 96 votes
    2d

    House hacking a triplex or quadplex can be a great way to get started. I'd recommend understanding FHA and conventional financing requirements early, especially how projected rental income may affect qualification.

    Have you set a target purchase budget yet, or are you still figuring out how much you'll need to save?

    0Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      2d

      Definitely still figuring out as I go. Me and my brother have been talking about house hacking together and he told me that i should save or have saved up around 90 to 100 thousand since houses are really expensive in north jersey. Again, still learning as we go.

      0Reply
  • Shawn McenteerBusiness Member
    Realtor · Boonton Township, NJ · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2d

    Hi @Olivia Tirso HouseHacking can be a very smart move to get started. NJ is a great market to do it in. My wife and I have been house hacking for over a decade, happy to help get you on the fast track to your real estate goals. Anything house hacking new jersey I am here to help.

    973-975-3895
    House Hacking New Jersey561 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      2d

      Hi Shawn! Thanks for the reply. Its crazy because I just watched your youtube video on best places to buy real estate investments. But yes please! Do you have any recommendations as to how to learn more about house hacking? Like any specific networking events that i can attend to get better information?

      0Reply
  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    1d

    @Olivia Tirso

    Getting a house between 2 and 4 units to hack into would be an excellent place to start because you can spend a few years preparing for it. I would advise you to look at the property listing within the said counties, compare the rental price against the tax and cost, and also attend investment meetings within your community, where your computer skills will help.

    Good luck!

    [email protected]832-776-9582Podcast Guest on Show #469
    NETWORTH BUILDERS5236 Reviews
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    1Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      1d

      Thank you Wale!

      0Reply
  • Randy Schell
    Member since 2026 · 112 posts · 14 votes
    1d

    Olivia, it's great that you're starting early and offering to help in return, that attitude opens a lot of doors. Local landlord associations often hold free meetings, and sitting in on a couple is a gentle way to meet someone experienced who might end up mentoring you. When you do become a landlord, learning to talk clearly and kindly with tenants from day one will save you more headaches than almost anything else.

    Randy, Bunklow

    1Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      1d

      Thank you Randy I appreciate that!

      0Reply
  • Juan Hasbun
    Lender · Fort Lauderdale, FL · Member since 2020 · 49 posts · 12 votes
    1d

    Welcome @Olivia Tirso I'd tell you that you're already on the right track by focusing on house hacking first instead of rushing into a deal.

    North Jersey can be a challenging market because prices, taxes, and landlord regulations can significantly impact your numbers, so spend a lot of time learning how to analyze cash flow before focusing on finding the perfect property.

    A few suggestions:

    • Learn to analyze deals based on actual rents, taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancy, and capital expenditures, not just mortgage payment versus rent.

    • Drive neighborhoods and track small multifamily listings for several months. You'll start seeing which areas have strong rental demand and which properties sit on the market.

    • Talk to local investor-friendly lenders early. Even if you're a few years away, they'll help you understand qualification requirements and what your purchasing power may look like.

    • For a first house hack, I'd prioritize a property that is safe, structurally sound, and in a desirable rental area over finding the absolute best "investment" deal. Your first experience as a landlord matters.

    • Make sure you understand New Jersey's landlord-tenant laws and local regulations before buying. A great property can become a headache if you're not prepared for the management side.

    As for finding mentors, I'd recommend attending local REIA meetings, investor meetups, and networking events in the Union, Hudson, and Bergen County areas. You'll often learn more from a few conversations with active investors than from months of online research.

    One thing I'd add: your computer science background is actually a huge advantage. Investors are constantly looking at data, tracking rentals, analyzing comps, and evaluating markets. If you can build strong underwriting skills, you'll be ahead of many beginners.

    Keep saving, keep running numbers, and keep networking. By the time you're ready to buy, you'll be making decisions based on experience and analysis instead of emotion, which is exactly where you want to be.

    1Reply
    • Olivia Tirso
      OP
      New to Real Estate · Elizabeth, NJ · Member since 2026 · 10 posts · 1 vote
      1d

      Thank you Juan! This was very informative and i will definitely consider all this when looking. I appreciate the advice very much.

      0Reply
  • Marc MoraPro Member
    Investor · Member since 2026 · 41 posts · 3 votes
    2h

    @Olivia Tirso , let's connect. I have experience there. Offering your data and research skills in return is a good way to find someone to learn from, and you've clearly done your homework on the loans. For a first house hack I'd think hard about how close to your tenants you want to live, since a quad means sharing a building with three other households.

    Let me introduce you to a few people I trust, and some solid reading.

    Just sent you a DM.

    0Reply
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