If you are calling the licensed person off the radio AD a lot of money.

How long do we put off our dream of having a homestead?

Hey brother, first off, I'm very sorry to hear about your wife, prayers and blessings from my family to yours. 

There are plenty of deals in Philly on and off-market from wholesalers, who are pretty decent in Philly compared to other places.You will need to get your GC license here and learn the permitting process and necessity here as well.

I recommend you go visit a few times to network with local investors or find an investor friendly agent so you can gain local market knowledge, find off market deals and for things such as showings, picture taking or getting accurate comps.

Quote from @Leo Gregoire: I'm assuming you werent taking 15% of gross off the top for cap ex, vacancy, and maintenance? 

There is a ring camera system that has a job site security package as well some of my investors use for their projects do not have internet it works off cellular connection. 

After acquisition, we furnished it, added a couple decks for a hot tub and solo stove fire pit, as well as a ton of string lights and were off to the races!

If I can recruit some neighbors to also do some of these things, this may put off another incident indefinitely. 

You may be better off refinancing the properties you do own to accomplish things.