All Forum Posts by: Jacob Kocent

Hey Gregory,

I suggest you look into New Western. I work in our Pittsburgh office, but we also have an office in Atlanta (as well as 50+ other markets). We provide off-market distressed properties that are great opportunities for investors. Every market is different, but here in Pittsburgh the 20+ properties per month that we put out are usually off-market and below market value so a generally low barrier of entry. Check it out, see what you think, and if you want me to put you in contact with someone in the Atlanta office let me know and I'd be happy to do that!

Welcome to Bigger Pockets and to real estate! You will learn a great bit of information from different forums here on BP, so try to be soak it all in. In addition, I always tell people to go to as many local real estate meetups as you can. You will gain so much knowledge from the experts in your market and also may find someone who is in the same boat of you. Best of luck!

I recommend you looking into New Western. I work in our Pittsburgh office, but we also have an office in Philadelphia. We provide off-market distressed properties (fixer uppers) that are great opportunities for investors. If you want me to put you in contact with someone in the Philadelphia office let me know!

Welcome to the real estate investing world April! My advice, as some others touched on, would be to find local real estate meetups, network with experts there and build relationships with them. The people who are already working in that specific market will be the ones who will be able to give the best direct advice. Other than that, listening to BP podcasts, watching YT videos, and reading about real estate will all be beneficial to you. The more information you have, the better! Best of luck on this journey.

Hi Matt!

I'm an agent here in Pittsburgh and I work strictly with investors. It is way more common that people realize that out of state/out of market investors buy properties in hot markets. I don't want to over-simplify it because it is definitely not easy, but can be done. In my opinion, the most important thing is to get in touch with several agents, contractors, (property managers if necessary), etc. Build a team of real estate professionals that you have personally vetted and that have proven success. Building a strong foundation with your first property will help in the long run and will build relationships for your future deals.

Best of luck, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or interest in the Pittsburgh market!

Hi Armando, Welcome to BP and real estate investing! Cleveland is a great place to start, so I hope you find success there! 

@Mayuresh Kshirsagar

Hi Mayuresh,

I have heard areas like Cleveland and Columbus are great areas to start out as an out of state investor. I would definitely exhaust options there and check every avenue for good deals. In addition, Pittsburgh, PA is a similar market and has a very low barrier of entry.

I work here in Pittsburgh as an agent working directly with investors every day. We often work with out of state, and even out of country investors. I recommend adding it to your list as a possible location to invest in. If you like what you see, I'd be happy to connect further and try to find investment properties for you!

Check out New Western. We are in 50+ markets across the US and have a branch here in Pittsburgh on the North Shore. I'd be happy to put you in contact with our Broker who can talk to you further about opportunities we have.

Welcome to BP! I work here in Pittsburgh and would love to help answer any questions or steer you in the right direction. Wishing you the best in your investments!

Hey Michael,

Welcome to BP! This is a very complex question. Buying your first investment property is a huge deal and is no easy task. It is important to continue to do research, connect with experts on BP, and what I have found the most helpful is to go to local real estate meetups. You will learn so much from people who know the market and they will also have resources that will be useful to you.

As for the properties themselves, it never hurts to start looking. As long as you don't mind a couple extra emails in your inbox, get on people's buyers lists so you can see what is out there. Even if you aren't ready to buy, it will give you so much insight as to what properties are in what areas, how much they cost, etc.

I'm an agent here in Pittsburgh and I work strictly with investors. Would love to connect further!