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. 

Additionally, a lender deposit ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 is necessary, along with a rate lock-in fee that typically amounts to 2% of the loan amountIn the process of raising equity, it's crucial to be diligent while filling out necessary forms and securing required verifications.

If you're strictly seeking off-market deals, I recommend connecting with and working with a reliable/resourceful wholesaler instead of a real estate agent.

These groups are goldmines for finding mentors, reliable vendors, and other investors to learn from.Property ManagementChoosing the right property management company can make or break your experience.

The best way to see if someone is a reliably paying tenant is by their credit score. 

And if I find a reliable agent and reliable property management company in one of those cities, then I'd start there.

It's a new resource from BiggerPockets that helps you find reliable property management partnerships and gives you everything you need to make confident hiring decisions:-Expert Matching: Match with professionals who meet your criteria-Extra Assurance: See licenses, experience, ratings, reviews, and more that can be cross-checked with BiggerPockets members-Bonus Content: Plus they'll send you an interactive workbook: “How to Interview Property Management Companies”Hope this helps!

It’s a cleaner, more reliable solution, and while the higher subscription cost can feel like a drawback, it’ll save you a lot of headaches and time in the long run.

A week ago I received a shelter verification form from DSS for a male individual who I don't know at my apartment.

Any tips on finding reliable professionals in my area?