Hello Everyone! Erie, Pennsylvania

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My name is Wendell Howard and I live in Lake City, Pennsylvania. I have been a part time investor for 13 years now. I own 6 properties which consist of a total of 14 units (will have 15 soon when I complete remodeling one more). There all residential apartments except one which is an office i rent out to an insurance company and one is garage used for storage.

I started out with about a thousand dollars and purchased a three unit (FHA 2% down)and lived in the one and rented the other two units out. The rest of my properties have come from networking and creative financing with nearly no money down to purchase. My properties are located in the county and not the City which I feel are much more valuable since the City of Erie is experiencing major financial issues thus affecting landlords with excessive fees, inspections, taxs and the overall de-valueation of properties.

I perform 90% of all repairs and remodeling plus i work a full time job. I love Real Estate and have a wild pasion for it. I have read countless books and my goal which assists with my pasion is to be free or nearly free and be able to quit working an outside job someday. I am 43 years old and have always wanted to quit working an outside job by 45. However it is beginning to look like i wont make it. The shortage of extra cash being the major problem due to the following: 1) my low paying job and no job oppurtunities in my area , 2)Positive Cash flow from my investments low due to creative financing and purchaseing with no front monies, 3) Repairs and remodeling costs due to high prices of materials and etc.

My geographic area still has good demand for rentals and i have good tennants, but there is nearly no appreciation here. I am beginning to think of new alteranatives such as purchasing in other states. However i need much more knowledge of doing this.
I am sorry for such a long intro.. You have an awesome sight here and am very interested in participating in your forums.
Wendell[/b]