I don't own property there (most of my property is in the Western US), but I grew up in the Pittsburgh area, so I know it pretty well, and I'm considering buying property there....As for taxes, if I remember correctly, PGH does have an unusual tax related to purchasing property, but I can't remember the details...perhaps a local pro like @Anthony Angotti can fill you in on that...

I see your from Pittsburgh, I have a lot of family in the western Pittsburgh, PA area near Oakdale.The reason my time to completion is only 1-2 months and $70,000 is my equity partner is a GC, younger guy around my age and a good friend.

Similar rates are available in Belgium so nothing that special if you are in a western country (don't know rates from elsewhere).

I think ND is extremely under-rated and I echo other's comments here how I'm surprised more out of state investors aren't looking in ND with opportunities for such higher CAP rates than western states.

For those who are more local, have you had any experience with New Western by chance?

This deal was sourced through New Western Acquisitions and was sold on a first come first serve basis.

I live in the western suburbs too, and most areas are the same.

Obama, Gates, Kerry, and many other climate change activists have also bought beach property (some within the last couple of years) despite traveling the world in private jets and limousines to warn that coastal cities will be wiped out soon. 

It seems like areas that are looking to attract a larger tax base have more relaxed regulations than areas that are established and now have nit picky activists pestering the government for rules to control those evil, real estate investors.

Our winter was probably the slowest it's ever been and we are in Logan right near the western blue line.