I am looking to decide whether or not I should pay a larger downpayment or get more financing and pay a smaller downpayment.  

I would suggest to increase your channels to reach a larger number of people.

Its so much larger than the west coast.

I would start small and work your way up to larger projects.

They can either pay it or not.You are taking a risk with having an "outside dog" for security as that tends to equate to a larger dog that could pose some risk to your insurance....

Some of these you could do now, some you might want to safe for when you have a larger budget, but here are a few ideas that my clients use:Signage: Bus SignageBus Bench / Stop SignageCar MagnetsBumper StickersBillboards / at Local Sporting Events Internet: MLS (Realtor.com)Lead Generator WebsitesFSBO WebsitesPrint MediaDoor HangersFlyers Around Town w/ Pull TabsBusiness CardsValue Pack CouponsCoupon SaverPizza Box AdsAD Placement in:Church BulletinsLocal Real Estate PublicationsLocal Business JournalsTV/Radio Commercials on TV StationsCommercials on Radio StationsCold Calls/Direct Mail Campaigns to Property Owners: In Pre-ForeclosureGetting a DivorceWho Live Out of StateWith Low End Rental PropertiesWith Vacant or Rundown PropertiesWith Building Code ViolationsWith Health Code ViolationsWith Fire Damaged PropertiesWith Delinquent TaxesWith Expired ListingsWith Single Family Rental ListingsIn ProbateEvicting TenantsNetworking with:Bankruptcy AttorneysProbate AttorneysReal Estate AttorneysInsurance AgentsOther Wholesalers Real Estate Investor AssociationsTax Lien OfficialsContractorsProperty Management CompaniesDevelopersREO Department of Local Banks MailmanCity OfficialsMoving CompaniesBuildersMarshallsBail BondsmenAgain, don't try to jump into everything right now but copy & paste this list somewhere.

If it should turn into a larger gathering, I can host at Alberta Abbey in close-in NE Portland.

I'm mainly focusing on the larger area of the county, Elizabeth, Linden, Rahway, Plainfield, Roselle, but I sent a few mailers to properties in the smaller towns like Keneilworth too.

In other words you will likely be able to find many more mobile homes for affordable prices, lower lot rents, and a larger "for sale" quantity if you travel further inland than you currently are. 

It really makes the space seem a lot larger.