Can you be a deal maker, find out strategies and if you look at that dictionary definition of "creative" notice it says "often dishonest", that is exactly true, more time than not, when this bunch teaches real estate folklore, if what is suggested isn't illegal, it is on the fringe of illegal or leading to other issues. 

@Mike Girard There are still deals to be had in West Philly, particularly if you don't mind living on the fringe.  

If we get applicants that are on the fringe of what we look for then we just have a quick discussion on the specifics of the applicant.Keep in mind though that our PMs do not manage anywhere close to 1600 units though.

Buy on the fringe of a hot area, and watch as your rents rise and values appreciate.

When folks are desperate enough to turn to hard money you know your now working the fringe.

It is in a good market (DC area) but far enough on the fringe that prices aren't ridiculously inflated.

I've seen values in nice neighborhoods stagnate as the neighborhood ages and homes get built on the fringe, or as jobs and population migrate away.

I have learned to trust my criteria and my gutt/spidery sense :) I also would rather self-manage because I know how much work I put to manage "my" properties.

Spider. I

For these reasons my current strategy is to invest in what I like to call "fringe neighborhoods".