They'd be much better off being a Hard Money Lender and make 5 times that (and every repair to their "investment house" is paid by them...So, if you put $10k down on a property and make $150/month net cash flow your Coc Return (annualized) is 18% which is Very Good.If you followed that and understand it then keep looking for a deal.

This community is being built by GS Courtyard Homes, located out of Bedford, IN.

Then you can read a more in-depth book like The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss.2.

I think it is by far the quickest way to generate wealth.

I'd keep the rental and by no means refinance it to take cash out. 

New Jersey is town by town with regulations. 

To start your journey, I recommend focusing on building your network by joining meetups and engaging in online forums, while narrowing down your first investment based on your budget, market, and goals.

It seems there’s a common misconception largely influenced by social media, online courses, and influencers who oversimplify the process that real estate is an easy, passive way to generate income with minimal effort.

It sounds like you’ve been doing some serious groundwork with all the reading and research, which is such a strong start to your journey toward FI and retiring by 55.It’s awesome that you’re exploring real estate as an option, even if you’re not completely sold on being a landlord yet.

Typically will be rent by rent strategy (which is tough for none owner occupants) or College rental.