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All Forum Posts by: Gary Swank

Gary Swank has started 33 posts and replied 641 times.

Post: Just introducing myself

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

Hi Elwin, first off let me say that I give you a lot of credit for investing again.  I have a feeling things will work out a lot better. I'm currently working with another investor in developing vacant land.  They are interested in Lawrenceville.  What area(s) are you considering? I've lived here my whole life and know the area and market very well. Look forward to hearing from you. 

Post: New member starting out!

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

Hi James, welcome to BP. I have a lot of experience with out of state investors and help them succeed in their goals. Would like to hear more about your specific plans and goals. Feel free to reach out. 

Post: Realtor recommendations - Pittsburgh

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

Hi Mo. I'm here for you. I am well connected in the investment community here in Pittsburgh. 

Post: Investing in Pittsburgh?

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

Hi Anne, I am a 23+ year realtor who works with many investors in the Pittsburgh area. Many of my clients, and investors in general, have a lot of success in the Pittsburgh market. The buy in is a lot more budget friendly and values are stable and growing. But it pays to really know or at least learn about the area, as properties and neighborhoods change dramatically. I've lived here my whole life and know the market and area very well. I would interested to hear more about your specific plans and goals. Feel free to reach out...thanks, Gary

Post: Looking for Cash Flowing Rentals for Under $200k

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

Hi Richard. We have plenty of properties in Pittsburgh, PA under 200k, but it just depends on what specifically you're looking in addition to cash flow ie: SFR or MFR, condition, location, type of tenant, etc. Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to know more about the Pittsburgh market as I've lived here my whole life and am in an out of properties every single day.

Post: New member starting out!

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

Hi James, welcome to BP. You've chosen a good market to potentially invest in. I might be a little biased since I've lived here my whole life. But Pittsburgh really can offer a buy in that's better than other more saturated markets. And many investors, both local and remote, are finding properties with decent revenue returns and/or cash flow. I'm not going to sugar coat it though. Investing in any city,  including Pittsburgh requires one to really know the area, the type of investment you want to buy and especially if remote having a knowledgeable and trustworthy team. Our neighborhoods and properties change dramatically. Sometimes even on the same street. I always suggest to come to Pittsburgh,  check out the topography, infrastructure, economic opportunities and of course a sampling of properties.  Not always easy when remote but you might just find someone who is adept at providing you with a wealth of knowledge.  Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more about what Pittsburgh could offer you. Thanks,  Gary

Post: Are the location of schools important in a fix & flip location?

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

If you're trying to attract a family with kids, sure it generally is a top priority. I know, that seems like kind of a basic answer but it also depends on what area you are considering. Would like to know more. 

Post: 7 deals have fallen due to inspection & seller not agreeing to concession

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

While at times Pittsburgh can be a tricky market to navigate it doesnt have to be.  Having a good real estate investment savvy realtor can help. Often they are expert negotiaters during the give and take phase of the inspection process. That's actually my favorite time.  My best advice is to pick the issues that are of major concern like roof, foundation, radon etc. but perhaps skip the leaky faucet or burned out light bulbs. I have lived here in Pittsburgh my whole life and know the market very well if anyone is interested to discuss further. 

Post: New to Real Estate Investing and BiggerPockets, Pittsburgh, PA - Mike Leo

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

Hi Mike, First off welcome and house hacking continues to be a great way to get started in REI. By doing so and if structured correctly you may find your tenant covering most of your mortgage and monthly expenses. Or at the very least, a good portion. Also this gives you the opportunity to see if being a landlord is something you really want to do. Pittsburgh can be a strong market for house hacking, being that the buy in is more conducive than other markets and it holds a strong rental history. It's picking the property and area that is key along with understanding your investment expenses. I've lived here my whole life and know the area and market very well. Feel free to reach out. We should talk further. Gary

Post: Introduction to BiggerPockets community

Gary SwankPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Posts 807
  • Votes 250

Welcome Francisco, I just closed a deal with 2 investors from NYC. Feel free to contact me if you're interested to see how Pittsburgh might help you reach your goals. I've lived here my whole life and know the area and market very well.