👏I get your hesitation about NJ—some parts can be a bit tenant-friendly, and that uncertainty can definitely eat at you if your goal is to eventually focus on flips/builds and reduce your overhead.

Using an FHA loan, living in it while doing cosmetic updates, and eventually converting it into a rental?

If you interact with enough people, you'll eventually encounter someone you can't make happy.

You could get a bridge on the purchase or refi + purchase but you'll eventually need a long term debt after the bridge loan matures.

A lot of new investors chase “off-market” deals thinking they’re getting some unfair edge, but the reality is you’ll often spend more time—and ultimately money—trying to land one of these than just going after a solid listed deal.If capital is tight, I’d argue your time may be better spent earning and saving such as a side hustling, working in RE as an agent or assistant so you can eventually participate in more conventional deals.

That cost is better than constantly leaving time against you, as it's inevitable you'll get burned eventually.

The structural integrity of the structure could eventually come into question, and repair recommendations may be necessary.

They got evicted for not paying rent and eventually left, but on their own terms.

My goal is self manage our soon to be long term rental and then eventually build a brand around unique STR's, I waant to create freedom for our family, and eventually replace our active income with something that scales and gives us peace of mind.I’m here learn first and foremost but i am also looking to build a team.

When you use a Realtor (especially one who invests themselves, don't fall for I'm an investor 'friendly' agent..of course they are, most will take a sale wherever it comes from and by shear numbers, they are bound to sell to an investor eventually.