Single Family Home Dilemma

[Ryan Friend]

Heres my dilemma…. I live in south whitehall, I want to get started investing in 3:2 single family homes. Goal is to get enough cash flow on properties to quit my job in the next few years. Trying to focus on a specific market in the Lehigh Valley and/or northampton county. I am torn between more affordable home prices in transitioning areas like downtown Allentown and southside Bethlehem which will cashflow but higher crime rates + not great schools. Versus places like Northampton, coplay, whitehall with higher home prices, way better schools, lower crime rates. I dont have a ton of capital, dont have enough equity on my home to take out HELOC, interest rate on my house is 2.5% no cash out refi. But have great credit. What would you do if you were me? Who would you have me talk to about my dilemma? Thank you!!

[Michael Cunningham]

I bought 5 units in center city Allentown last year. So far, it has been difficult. Between multiple evictions and tenants damaging the property, I think it is tough to invest in the area without significant financial resources to deal with these issues. On paper, we should be cash-flowing a decent amount each month. In reality, there is always an issue each month that requires us to put in more money. I think the suburbs might be a better option unless you are willing to put in significant money to deal with difficult tenants.