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Updated over 8 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

33
Posts
11
Votes
Yvette Chung
  • Merchantville, NJ
11
Votes |
33
Posts

Want to house hack and start flipping..but I am not handy?

Yvette Chung
  • Merchantville, NJ
Posted

Hi guys

I am hoping to get your advice here. I am in the process of looking for a small MFH (2-4 units) in Philadelphia and in which I will be occupying one, and renting out the rest. I plan on using an FHA loan to finance the property.

I have a couple dilemma though....

1) I don't know whether I should try to find a property in a more expensive (relatively speaking) property in a "better area"....or one that's cheaper but in a potentially C+/B- neighborhood. Along the line of this, does anyone have any advice on the Overbrook area (19151, near Morris Park) ? Trulia map shows the area in green yet the reported crimes near the property seems to be quite often? I plan on checking out the neighborhood in person tomorrow but would love if anyone could give me pointers.

2) I really want to flip a house - using a FHA 203k loan. But I am not anywhere near handy...(like I wouldn't know where to go to turn off the water if i had to[ok, that maybe slightly exaggerated, just slightly]). In other words, if i buy a property that needs TLC or rehab, almost ALL of the work will have to be done by a contractor. In a case like this and for someone just starting out, would you recommend I even consider this route? Or should i just look for a property that doesn't need much work, if any.

This would be my first property and I am really afraid of making stupid decisions.....I know I will be making mistakes and that's just part of learning, but I really want to prep myself enough to reduce that as much as possible.....any help or advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks BP community! 

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

33
Posts
11
Votes
Yvette Chung
  • Merchantville, NJ
11
Votes |
33
Posts
Yvette Chung
  • Merchantville, NJ
Replied

Thanks for the advice Matt Motil ! I completely forgot the fact that lender would require approved contractor to do the work. But in hindsight it's probably better that way since I don't know how to do anything anyway. I will certainly use this chance to learn though!

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