First Year Dental Student Looking to Invest in Pittsburgh

[Eric Bender]

Hey Everyone! I'm planning to move to Pittsburgh from Minneapolis over summer before beginning Dental School at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.  School will be four years then I'll be completing my residency -- likely out of state again.  I'm looking to buy a house and rent out extra rooms to cover the cost of living or at least earn some equity while paying less that I would for my own room in a rental unit.  I'm looking near Shadyside/Squirrel Hill/Southside Flats -- I'm thinking a 3 bd, 2ba home.  I'm confident I can find graduate student / classmates to rent out my unit if it's priced with the market and close enough to a bus line.  I've been reading through BP for a couple of months starting to organize my thoughts and gain some traction/knowledge.  If anyone out there wants to connect please let me know!

[Natalie Schanne]

Eric Bender - Welcome!

Think bigger! I bought a 5 BR 3 BA for $255k and it's been great. Each marginal bedroom is usually not that expensive for the rent you'll get.

Connect with a local real estate agent and ask her to send you current and ongoing info on all the properties in your target areas. When you get into town, keep touring until you find a good deal. Look through cosmetic problems since you can easily remedy these and other buyers may not bid at all. My house was a 1974-built foreclosure that reeked of smoke, but had nice cabinets and granite countertops. I had my first roommates within 30 days of owning it and they've been paying my mortgage since.