He knows his stuff and is really good at making IG videos: his brand is a very clever mix of being super humble, telling everyone profits are less than you think and then flashing some fat $$ he made by selling to his investors.

Dealing with PG&E to relocate the meters due to proximity to gas meters.

@Marc Zak Using an LLC for each property provides strong liability protection by isolating risks to individual assets, with income and expenses flowing through to your personal taxes on Schedule E.

Developers have been on a building rampage for the last 5 years, so we've got brand new apartments sitting vacant and properties less than 50% full in many areas of town. 

Major brands like Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria are currently developing property there, where they have traditionally developed in Miami, Fort Laud, and Palm Beach. 

As eric pointed out, someone who lives in Phila will have to be registered as a manager of the property to obtain a rental license - usually a PMPersonally if you're looking to target SFH I would recommend: Roxborough (for 3+ bedroom - there is a large saturation for 1-2 bed apartments in area), East falls, E and W Mount airy (need to be proficient in neighborhood to know where the good and not so good blocks are, and far NE philly.

Kitchen RenovationScope of Work:Replace all cabinets with high-end custom cabinetryInstall quartz countertopsUpgrade to stainless steel appliances (high-end brands like Thermador or Bosch)Add a large kitchen island with additional seatingInstall new tile backsplashUpdate lighting fixtures with modern pendantsRefinish or replace flooringEstimated Cost: $50,0002.

Connecting with local GC groups in your area will help you connect with subcontractors, find out tips and tricks of the trade in your local area (since all areas and their real estate differ slightly).Also, have you considered the motivation behind building a brand-new duplex versus finding one on the market?

I'm brand new to real estate investing and am looking for some guidance.

I'll wrap this post by pinging two other Japan-based American investors for their thoughts (until they actually tell me to stop doing this): @Steven E.