All Forum Posts by: Zack Busch

@Matt M.

Thank you that is really good information! I am with you on only wanting to buy something that I would want to live in myself. I plan on using a PM but based on what you are saying would still be hesitant for West Ward. As I mentioned before, I don't need a home run, just something to get the ball rolling. I appreciate all the feedback.

I have noticed in a lot of the houses there looks to be drop ceiling in the main rooms. Is there any reason for that?

Thank you  for the detailed response, definitely some good things to consider further. I have gotten satisfaction on doing renovation projects on my own house, but am currently looking to just land my first deal and get the momentum going so I would be okay with having the lower returns, but possibly the safer investment going with something that has been recently renovated or needs minor work. I have seen the CO mentioned in some of the descriptions so I have done a little research on that but it is good to consider keeping extra budgeted for unforeseen items I may have to fix. I guess it is a good thing that the city cares enough to do a really good inspection on the house.

I like the area and the next step for me is to start building a team of people that can help me in this area and appreciate the information you have given so far. As you mentioned, the competition appears to be high just like everywhere else but I'm determined to get something started.

 Thanks Leonard I will definitely give that a listen!

 Thanks for the input Matt! I am working on taking a deeper dive into the specific areas to see what I could avoid. Outside of taking a trip and driving through the areas do you have any recommendations on tools to use on determining crime ridden areas? Some of the apps like zillow have their tools and I'll research some others as well

Hi All,

I am new to the forums and am looking to start getting more involved in them and this community. I have been doing my research trying to determine where I would like to invest and have landed on the Lehigh Valley, specifically the Easton, PA area (but starting to look more into Bethlehem and Allentown). I am located directly between the Lehigh valley and Philly and would love to have my first property be closer to where I am currently located.

Reading through Easton's economic development plan (even if it is a few years old) and getting a feel for the more specific areas that I would like to own a property. I have been interested in West Ward and South side, but am open to the other areas as well. I am looking for 3-4 bed SFH or multis that I could BRRRR as it seems the city has some areas that has good opportunities for that and is something they are looking to do to help revitalize the city. My main goal right now is for cash flow more than appreciation (although that's a plus too).

I have tried to search through old forum posts to see if there has been anything recent to help but wanted to create a new post as well. Any advice on specific areas to avoid or that you really like would be much appreciated. I plan on taking a trip up there in the near future to get a better feel of areas as well. Thanks!

Thanks @James Schulz! Definitely looking forward to dig into all the resources. Anything articles or specific podcast episodes you recommend?

Thanks @Franky Aikens! Feel free to message me for any time, even if it is for gardening advice!

Thanks @Cherie Gatling for the kind words. I hope it can help me as it has helped you!

Thanks @Dmitriy Fomichenko!

Hello BP members! My name is Zack Busch and I am a new investor. I currently live in SE PA, more specifically in Horsham which is about an hour north of Philly.

I currently am a mechanical engineer at a small company. We do HVAC design for pharmaceutical companies, research labs, and universities. It is a challenging job, but something I enjoy and think will help serve me in my real estate journey.

I found the concept of financial freedom randomly on Reddit back in January. A couple months after that, I stumbled upon BP and have been hooked ever since. I would love to be able to have the option to leave my W2 and pursue things I enjoy more, such as coaching Crossfit, nutrition, and gardening. 

I've read a large amount of the BP published and recommended books and listen to all of their various podcasts. From everything I have gathered so far, I am looking to get into buy and hold rental properties and BRRRR investing. I currently own my house and have done some projects to help fix it up and have enjoyed the satisfaction of taking something a little beat up and making it beautiful again. I would be looking for that same type of satisfaction from my rental properties.

I finally worked up the courage to become a pro member and actually diving into researching areas and analyzing deals. Based on the information I have found so far I am looking in the lehigh valley area, specifically Easton and Bethlehem. They are not a long drive for me and I want to be a little more involved in the first few properties I obtain to learn more.

I look forward to connecting with everyone, receiving and giving good information, and getting started on this journey!