In a city like Philly, you will face many challenges - you need to learn the market and know the neighborhood and the block and make sure all of your numbers are within reason, you need very reliable contractors, you need a to understand the permit process, you need to be familiar with market expectations. 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

He wanted me to paypal him 750 so that he would send the 20k needed to bridge the gap in the loan.The easiest way to spot a red flag is to start with going through a title company. hopefully you did nto give this person your social security number or other private information.

And, many agents that I have dealt with won't do much more than ask you what neighborhoods you like and setup MLS notifications when a property with your criteria comes up.  

to your point, if you save up so that you're in a strong financial position, house hack a solid duplex in a decent neighborhood, make smart decisions, and hold it indefinitely, you'll be fine.conversely, if you have $0 and somehow start out with a risky flip, or borrow $20K and spend it all on a magic mentoring program, or buy a terrible property in a neighborhood you've never been to, you may not be fine.

Neighborhoods Set the ToneSan Diego’s neighborhoods each have their own vibe, and we’ve learned that tailoring renovations to match is essential.

Also, neighborhoods matter.

House hacking in a 4-bedroom here could absolutely work if you run your numbers carefully and stick to those “higher-end lower-end” neighborhoods.

I get it - tough spot to be in.

Quote from @Marc Shin: @John Underwood my STR is in a neighborhood that could be perceived as a little bit sketchy..Erp.