Quote from @Jimmy Chao: I am weighing some options to help my younger brother buying his first primary with a fixer.

My biggest client today is a seller I didn’t even represent during his sale of a 24-unit building—he had another agent.

Let me know if you need any tips on working with contractors or setting expectations.

I invite seasoned investors to share their experience buying their first 2-4 unit properties. here are some questions to base your response/story1) how did you find your first property ?

This is where I would focus, as these are the same attributes that attracted those responsible for the larger projects like the Bellweather District you mentioned in your initial post.With your budget I would recommend NW Philadelphia (Germantown and Mount Airy in particular).

The property is located near two colleges, so I’m focusing on student tenants and planning for 12-month lease terms.Do you have any tips or advice for renting by the room?

Thanks for the response, were open to other options as well.

(that means I work for Airbnb as an independent contractor, a paid, by Airbnb, consultant to new Hosts).Here is my "tip" that I send to new Hosts:"Pricing is key and worth doing some homework.

The existing owner has it in a trust but it is not his primary residence. 

:) If nothing else, have any of the responses helped you decide what you want to do?