Rookie investor from the Philadelphia area

[Connor Poston]

Hello BP! My name is Connor and I sell electronic security systems b2b by day, but want to jump into the real estate game ASAP. I moved from Europe (completing my MBA) back to the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA about 7 months ago and have been saving money while researching REI since. A friend of mine @Christian Bors introduced me to BiggerPockets and it has become my most useful tool in learning the ropes. 

My main goal over the course of the next 6 months is to find a 2-4 unit deal to house hack in the Philly area. I typically work from home or random locations in PA/NJ so I'm open to any neighborhood near the city where I probably won't get shot. I have been pre-approved for about 200K and I would most likely need to use an FHA or 403K loan depending on how much renovation is necessary.

I feel that the Philly market is hot right now and I will probably have to find a deal outside the MLS if I want to see any solid cash flow. Is this true? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I always hear on the podcast that newbies should add value in return for advice, so I am willing to do what it takes whether its buy a coffee or help paint a project! Thank you!