Philly this weekend & looking for suggestions

[Yon Chung]

Hello All!

I am a VA resident (with 4 rentals townhome/SFH under my belt) looking to branch out to low cost/high rent income areas. VA is way to expensive and there isn't much cash flow... I had looked into NE, OH and now looking in to Philly (mostly multi unit properties).

I lived in the suburbs of Philly and used to work at my parents store on Lancaster and 40th way back when.  I never thought about Philly every being as and up and coming area but it looks like it is taking its turn. and it's about time!

So...  I work full time and have 3 kiddos and take way too many hours looking for deals online.  I am kind of getting tired of doing this myself.  

What options do I have?  I'd like to just start owning one and start getting paid!  colleges for 3 kids are not cheap!  =(

I am going to be up in Philly this weekend for a wedding and would probably drive around some neighborhoods.  Any recommendations on where I should look?  Any of you realtors work on the weekends????

Do you guys usually look for pre-occupied properties?  or do you worry that the renters might not have good history?  

I am aware that some streets within a neighborhood could be great/not great.  Would you consider buying in a not so great street as the prices will be lower and hope the street will become a just as nice as the next street????

Sorry random things.  it's late =)

Looking forward to your comments!

Yon