Hi Heather!
Welcome! I am an investor & RE agent. I am not familiar with Western MA, but know Central Ma very well. It sounds like the same as in your area. Most of the 2-4 families are about the same age and the prices have skyrocketed in the past year. Most properties seem to be going way over asking.
I just had a client bid on a 3 family in Clinton and there was 26 offers! He made a real high offer over asking and was 2nd!! I believe what is key is to have an agent who knows RE investing. We became agents because we could not find an agent that understood that you need to work quickly. It was a game changer for us!
My husband and I are here to help new investors in their pursuit!! We have tons of experience in all forms of RE investing. We have recently helped a few clients buy their first properties which has been real rewarding to us. They continue using us as a resource and we are looking forward to working with them finding their next one!!
Let us know if there is anything we can do to help!!
Good Luck!!
You will never regret moving towards this goal!!
Deb