Purchase price: $250,000 Cash invested: $14,000 I purchased and managed a rental property in Chicago, focusing on strategic improvements and tenant satisfaction to increase both its value and profitability.

Ok as real estate focused accountant perhaps I'm biased.

Do we focus on flipping, (currently we have actually been trying to do this, but we physically can't find enough contractors in our smaller market <100K population to do that much work).

from my advice rural properties and developments aren't successful and you are climbing an uphill battle. sounds a little niche. we focus on developing and not reinventing the wheel. if this is truly what you want to focus all your time and energy on then visit the closest 5-10 of these that look like the ones you are interested and ask if they'd expand or build a secondary one. do a lot of research before you just take action 

To find deals in Philadelphia, focus on off-market opportunities by networking with wholesalers and local investors, attending meetups, and leveraging platforms like PropStream or MLS.

This ensures you focus your time and resources on deals that align with your goals.

I would try to find an agent with investor experience and, ideally, a focus on investment properties. 

For my own portfolio I'm focusing on commercial deals and coaching fellow RE investors.

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