I'm looking to start my REI journey in the next few months or so and I'm struggling to find properties that make sense finically.

considering i dont know much would it make any sense for me to do it even ?

I would suggest you underwrite 100 deals in your target market in Philly and get a sense for what the deal flow looks like.

There will come a moment in time that it makes sense to sell, leverage or trade it.Be decisive. 

I am won't buy anything this year but rather next year so I am wondering if it makes sense to approach an agent or a lender months in advance, weeks in advance or only when I really already saw something I want to buy.I don't want to waste anybody's time and I am not yet sure what the best course is.

Does this make sense?

@John ClarkThat makes the most sense. 

Wholesalers made sense then, they were a needed thing. 

That makes total sense and it's good to know that at least the passive losses can off-set the rental income.Quote from @Andrew Strauss: Hi Felicia - For high-wage earners, the ability to use rental losses (including depreciation) to offset W2 income is limited.

The "Mom of the Road" reference doesn't make any sense, but thanks for weighing in.Since you asked, countless people I know have been complaining about this for a long time.And as usual, the guy who hops into the chat 5 pages in never has a profile photo.