I love that you’re already narrowing down specific zip codes and doing your due diligence.I’ve heard good things about 73170 and 73135, especially with the proximity to Tinker Air Force Base, which tends to attract stable tenants.

*Location Matters — Neighborhoods that have high demand, quality schools and close proximity to shops and services tend to draw buyers willing to pay a premium for a well-renovated house.

I have found that multifamily properties tend to cash flow better than the single family homes. 

I tend to focus so much on the seller’s situation that I sometimes limit myself in negotiations.

Those tend to be the neighborhoods that are gentrifying.Unique stuff to Pittsburgh I would say is don't go based on zip codes since one zip code can be composed of multiple different areas/neighborhoods.

It definitely tends to be older sellers who are interested in seller financing and I think you're exactly right on the psychology behind it.

Just curious if you find it makes a difference updating your photos on a somewhat regular basis or tend to leave the STR photos the same once you have somewhat found a sweet spot?

Real estate agents tend to want to make a sale and they are not as experienced with the rental market as they are the sales market.

Some areas are more expensive than others but those usually tend to have higher appreciation rates. 

Even if you go "vertical", that tends to require an architect as well.