@Tracy ScottScour the HOA docs for wording involving occupancy such as, "not more than three (3) persons not related by blood or marriage living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit."

Like a marriage, you certainly want the capacity to change / adjust, but that can lead to a breakup, or a complete change of heart.

We have been able to set aside some cash/savings over the past few years of marriage and are ready to invest in real estate.

Another question, why is having your girlfriend pay you rent still fine, but after 6 years and no marriage it is an absolute NO on buying together?

The fact is that you have a list of requirements for renting from you, that you present to each applicant and marriage status is not on that list, supports your argument.

Your finances and your marriage need to be in a good place.

@Jaron Walling First off congrats on the marriage and your upcoming honeymoon!!

People who buy lower class properties tend to get a false sense of security like those in a bad marriage that “oh it will get better”, typically it does not and they are overly optimistic.$25,000 reserves for 10+ properties is a recipe for disaster, especially in Lower income areas.

Strawberry Mansion, Cobbs Creek, Darby etc..In Philly you cannot by law have more than (3) people unrelated by blood/marriage /adoption in a unit just as an fyi.

There are appraisal fees, inspection fees and other fees involved on your end when you buy a property.When a seller has a need to sell quickly (job loss, job transfer, medical reason, marriage, divorce, probate) they sometimes will take speed and no hassle over list on the MLS.