For my first property I'm going to use the BRRRR method and from there keep growing my portfolio.

Remember a true STR under the tax rules isn’t considered a real property trade or business.

With these methods, you would be able to reach a large number of sellers without necessarily spending too much per contact, as compared to direct mail.

Ultimately it’s personal preference but if you choose to proceed without permits you should at least use trades who have the ability to obtain permits in Philadelphia.

Other methods? 

Hi @Jessica Heller I have lots of different trades & handyman available. 

For example, stock trading became more widespread with the advent of online brokerages.

That is in real demand here for people in the trades.   

You should also look into Sold properties to see what househack deals are actually trading for.All the best!

Quote from @David Ramirez: Call remodeled comps in the area that has been bought and sold within a year Especially for this method, you can paste the addresses in propwire and look in the chain of title to see the last owner before it was sold after being fixed up.