Depending on your goals and investment strategy, you may be better served investing alongside other investors in a fund that takes down a long term buy and hold through a sponsor.

I would suggest obtaining a good map of Philadelphia neighborhoods and having it handy when you out scouting neighborhoods.Yes, still imo, the better part(most profitable) of Overbrook is alongside of Wynnefield.

So in my mind you've got to evaluate these kinds of investments along side other opportunities to invest in companies, either as angel, start up, early investor, or limited partner.  

I know how amazing it is when someone comes alongside you.

Some MF groups are bringing their own equity into the game but they co-invest alongside the LPs i.e.

With that being said it has had its fair share of crime and violence alongside renters who lack pride in their neighborhood.

Run a mortgage calculator along side a HELOC calculator for the same dollar amount.

Investors co-own the portfolios with the managers and they profit alongside me.  

Don't know the full extent of that damage yet, I have an inspection happening today so I'll find out more then.The property is right alongside a railroad track also.

I am a newbie in the world of real estate, still learning and gaining as much knowledge as possible, alongside my partner, before we make the first real step into this journey of REI.