New Member from Buffalo, NY

[Timothy Hansen]

Hello BP friends!

I am 23 years old and will be starting my first year of medical school at the University at Buffalo this August.  I have lived in Buffalo for the past 5 years and I love this city!  My long term real estate investing goals are to invest in multi-family (2 unit) buy and hold properties in the Buffalo, NY region.  Since I will be in medical school for the next four years I would like to try and purchase my first duplex within the next year.  I plan to live in one unit and rent out the second for the duration of medical school.  

I am relatively new to real estate investing, and I was looking to find like minded individuals in the Buffalo/Western New York area.  Particularly,  I am looking for help in regards to what neighborhoods are best to invest in.  I am reasonably knowledgeable in the different neighborhoods of Buffalo, but I have heard conflicting opinions on what areas are the best for this type of investment strategy.  I have heard a lot of talk about the west side coming up in the next few years, and how this is the place to invest in.  Can anyone lend any truth to that? 

Also,  due to the fact that I will be a student for the next four years I had a few questions about financing my purchase.  Since I will be accruing a large amount of debt, and I will not have a steady "income" I doubt I will be able to obtain approval for a mortgage on my own.  However, I think I will be able to obtain funding for a downpayment from a family member.  Would my best option be to also ask this family member to co-sign a mortgage with me?  Are there any other options available to students like me to fund a purchase like this?

Lastly, can anyone recommend a reliable property management company in the area?  Since I will be in medical school I don't think I will have the time for landlording duties and I am willing to pay in order to have the property managed by professionals :)

Thanks for all of the helpful advice!