@Robert Ellis Since you mentioned panels, have you looked into SIPs at all for your builds? 

In a city like Philly, you will face many challenges - you need to learn the market and know the neighborhood and the block and make sure all of your numbers are within reason, you need very reliable contractors, you need a to understand the permit process, you need to be familiar with market expectations. 

I'd build a network of agents and owners in your select markets that work primarily with investment properties.

You have so much time to figure out what you want to do and build a network throughout that time.

Urban areas can definitely be tough to gauge from a google maps search because environments are street by street, block by block.  

In Japan, it's the opposite, at least for structures (land and building values are separate). 

I’ve written a letter to the Police Chief Amd the mayor quoting the detective who said, “Well, we gave it the college try” after I told him that the tenant blocked me from contacting him. 

It’s one thing to learn, but turning knowledge into action—mistakes and all—is what separates those who dream from those who achieve.Let’s keep building and growing!

Originally from Africa, I’ve embraced new opportunities to build a better future, and real estate is at the core of my financial freedom plan. 

Quote from @Jaron Walling: @Kane Spangler There's a since of pressure to build or buy RE in your post.