should I buy in cash or get a loan ?

[Richard Moreno]

So here is my dilemma ,

I am currently looking for a property to flip in Philadelphia, my brother is a contractor there,  and I have the money to buy a fixer upper for $40k to $60k and I have private money in Philly for the renovations. This plan is a go! all I need is an accepted offer. I will  buy now and have it ready for sale in the spring.

But at the same time I want to buy a property in Pittsburgh and do the BRRRR strategy. I am heading over there ( I live in Boston ) this weekend, I'm meeting with a local realtor to check out some homes that might need a little TLC. But now I'm having second thoughts, because I can buy a house for around $40k to $50k possibly get a rehab loan but that will still leave me with little funds between the 2 houses. Or should I get a conventional loan put 20% down and use the rest of my money for any repairs, and then refinance later with cash back? There is more to choose from above $ 70k, and they might only need cosmetics.

Wouldn't the property have to be rented first for me to get a loan? If not they would go by my income, Right? I don't think my income is enough for the purpose of the loan, because I have a mortgage in Boston that I am paying for too.

Not sure exactly how this will play out. Can anyone give me advice on how I should acquire the property or point me in the right direction.