looking to invest in rental properties in PA.

[Jesus Ramirez]

I'm a newbie investor out of Brooklyn, NY. The market is way over priced for me to get started. However, I've looked at properties in Reading, PA and found that you can buy incredibly cheap. Has anyone invested in Reading? Investing out of state could be more beneficial for a newbie. Any advice?

[April Crossley]

I organize the largest local meetup group in Berks County- Reading, PA. I HIGHLY recommend you touch base with people in our group prior to investing there. The returns look great on paper-- but as with anything.. stuff that cheap comes with its risks. HIgh turnover, high vacancy, difficult tenant population.. the list goes on. YES I own stuff in Reading so I am speaking from experience. Side note as well-- some of the agents and investors LOVE people from NY and NJ and will intentionally market to them to sell a "deal" that isn't really a deal but looks like a deal to an out of state investor.  A lot of people will outright say when they can't sell something: market it to NY and NJ buyers. SOoooo.. buyer beware! The best thing you can do is know the neighborhoods and get yourself to Berks to connect with good people at the local meetup groups.