Brian, Mirroring what everyone is saying - Philly is hyper-local. 

However, since you are looking in the rearview mirror, you have the added advantage of knowing the actual rates of return and reinvestment for each of the years being examined, so could precisely determine your real rate of return over the period.

***Also how do I make the @ a hyperlink?

VA usually mirrors FHA, but I have heard they may lag a bit.

Another question you want to look in the mirror, so to speak and ask yourself is "What type of investing do you want to do..."

I always check to see that at least 1-2 other properties in the neighborhood were flipped and then I "mirror" their finish styles.Good luck Bob!

This is a TERRIBLE DEAL as a rental that only appears to cash flow with the heavy use of smoke and mirrors.

An FYI, recent college grads mirror the rest of the labor force regarding unemployment.

Both essential traits of successful real estate investors...2) Write this on a post it note and put it on your bathroom mirror and read it every day.  

I think I messed up the previous hyperlink and I'm not sure how to edit it.