All Forum Posts by: Chad Jarrah

I do most of my investing and Lehigh and Northhampton counties, but do some as well in Schuylkill county.  You are correct, in the 1st two counties, we are flooded with investors and prices are rising;  Competition is high and it's getting tougher and tougher to get a good deal. But those areas  are more likely to appreciate over time especially with all the influx of money coming in. 

In Schuylkill county, you can get more bang for your buck. Properties are cheaper and I have never had a problem renting to good tenants at a good price.  The cash flow there is excellent, but I would go into it assuming things will not appreciate as much over time, especially in comparison to Northampton and Lehigh Counties. That being said, who knows, with what's happening in Leh/Nor, investors could push out to those areas and things might appreciate more/rents go higher. It's all a guessing game, but it is a fact that cash flow is good there.

Avoid the smaller/heavily depressed towns like Shenandoah. Stick to the mid-size towns like Pottsville and Tamaqua.

Good luck. 

Go to the Bethlehem-pa.gov website and go to Planning and Zoning. Call the number given there and leave a message requesting that you want to set up an inspection prior to rental. I think you pay about $150 for the inspection.I forget exactly how to get the rental license. I believe once the city is aware that you are renting, they will send that stuff out. You can always ask when you meet the inspector. Good luck.

@Yanhua Sappin...I don't have any specific off market deals to offer you at the moment. You just gotta constantly look and be quick to pull the trigger when you find something. Crowded market in this area lately.

Thanks @Ronald Bowser! 

@Andres Felipe Aristizabal...I would say it is possible, but with no tangible information -- like what "limited funds" means numberswise, which property, which part of South Bethlehem -- it's difficult to answer.

This is a super late response considering when the first post was written, but I just got the alert. I can't believe no one responded to this for my area in that amount of time. Bethlehem is a great area to invest in. I am biased because I live here, but I own two rentals in Bethlehem and both have been working out. Generally speaking, West Bethlehem is the most sought-after. But properties will cost a bit more. Maybe less cash flow up front, but potentially better appreciation later. North Bethlehem is good as well. Then South Bethlehem. South Bethlehem has had a lot of money thrown at it and has changed a ton over the past 5 years. Those areas are more expensive, but there are areas of South Bethlehem that are not good, cheaper properties, tougher tenants. I hope that helps a bit.

Hey Sudhir...West Bethlehem is the most desirable area but a higher purchase price goes with that. Parts of South Bethlehem I've gone through a big development stage near the Lehigh University area and Sands Casino. Also nice Investments spot but prices are rising. Honestly, I like much of Bethlehem, but I am biased. I live and invest here as well both as an investor and realtor.

Hey @Shane Ward...I haven't been to any but I often see @Justin Brown, a realtor in the Valley, posting about a meetup in Allentown. Try reaching out to him. Good luck!

Thanks @Chad U., thanks @Alex Deacon...makes sense and very helpful to see things from the mortgage holders point of view. Appreciating all the feedback. I've been doing this for a while (maybe not as long as @Steve Babiak), but the learning never ends.

Hey @Steve Babiak, thanks for both of your responses. Would definitely be nice to get a head start on the rehab. The one that I got was pretty clean though so I hope to have it back on the market quickly. Thanks again Steve!

Thanks @Alex Deacon, I appreciate the response. So you set your postings and change the locks the day you are the winning bidder and put down your 10% (if it's vacant that is)? But you don't start your rehab until the deed is officially recorded, correct?