So, given you are in a lower end area with lower rents, you need to reserve more money on repairs, maintenance and capex compared to a higher rent area, since that $200 HVAC or plumbing service call is 25% of $800/mo, but 10% of $2,000/mo.  

We don't allow access to our garage as we have a lot of stuff for the house stored there, but having some cool game area in there or more storage would be nice.

Now applying this to Philadelphia, you can easily go into areas of North Philadelphia or areas of SW Philadelphia just as examples and find properties that pencil as BRRRR's as easily as it is to pick produce out at a grocery store.

The renovation costs may include a contingency reserve and renovation-related costs.Contingency Reserves:Contingency reserves 10 % required for any unforeseen cost overruns that may occur during construction.Unused contingency reserves that were financed into the loan will be applied to the principal balance of the loan.

Do you go to stores around there all the time, have friends in the area, have other ties to the area?

Haven't seen your posts for a while.I grew up in a mixed-use property where my dad had his store, and there's a small apartment behind the 2 stores, an 8 room apartment upstairs, plus 4 garages.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

However, also don't forget to budget for turnover costs and capex reserves too, which many people ignore. 

Research crime rates and choose areas with a good reputation.Amenities: Look for areas with access to amenities such as grocery stores, coffee shops, gyms, and entertainment options.

Overall documentation has been key and same with having much larger reserves.