Investing in Philly for beginner.

[Sino U.]

Hi - I reside in NJ about 45 mins away from Philly. I decided that I want to start out of state investing, given that NJ costs are too high and not friendly towards landlords. I have been reading in BG about Cleveland, OH offering the most cash low on your buck. However, I am hesitant (at least for now) to start investing that is too far away from me. With that being said, I am interested in investing in Duplexes in Philly area. Would appreciate  any advise, suggestions as I start my journey :) Happy to connect with locals as well :) 

[Sheryl Sitman]

@Sino U.  FYI - Philly and PA are not the same when it comes to L-T regulations. Philly has its own unique regulations that make it one of the most tenant friendly markets I know of. If you understand the laws, know how to be landlord from A to Z, and work in decent markets, you will be fine. If you enter it naively without fully understanding the business and the requirements, you can get hurt badly. I run the Philadelphia Landlords Connect group on FB, and we have constant discussions between seasoned landlords and newbies that got caught with their pants down. So do not get into it without learning what you need to know -- it is not an intuitive business. Suburbs are easier -- but each locale will have its own requirements and quirks. And multifamily as opposed to SF will always have the additional challenges of playing foster parent to tenants - managing conflicts, etc.