Allow me to introduce myself by saying that I've had an interest in property for quite some time. Former housing coordinator for a major NJ municipality; former executive director for a community based organization in Brooklyn, NY, my primary focus had been in providing affordable housing for low and moderate income families. And I was good at what I did - until the bottom dropped out. Recently widowed (2013), I relocated from New York to Philadelphia to be closer to my children, and to start again. In searching homes in the Philadelphia Market Area, I decided it made better sense, financially and otherwise, to take some of my own advice and invest in a three or four family home; live in one unit, rent out the other. Now that I'm standing on the other side of the equation, as an investor, it's an interesting perspective. I am a NY licensed realtor; but have no love for, or interest in the cut-throat dynamics that pass for real estate deal making there. That said, I'm also not interested in gut renovations, or flipping (except when it makes total sense). Long term steady income is more appealing at this point, with the concept of possibly obtaining two or three multiple family properties that can be retained for ongoing income, or transformed into TICs. I'm just learning the realm of realty in Philadelphia. I also passed the US-PAP Appraisal Exam in NYC, but have not done my 2000 hour "trainee" portion as of yet {I was an appraiser in California - no reciprocity w/NYC - coastal rivals :(}. Worked for a period of time in assisting families who were facing foreclosures, as well as first time homebuyers. All these programs are great, but working in that capacity, I could not benefit from the programs because of federal dollars involved. I love Bigger Pockets because you've helped me clarify what I want, and given me so much information, and prevented me from wasting money on a "mentor" - thanks so much. I hope this is not too long, and that I followed all the guidelines. Stay Blessed GDW
