In this market, I would not finance a first time flipper at 75% profit split because the profits and success rate is lower than the last dozen years.  

There's a few different ways to focus on a lower rate such as with house hacking and making the investment your primary residence, requesting a significant closing credit from the sellers for standard rate buy-downs (which I've had great success with recently), or utilizing lenders who offer short term rate lowering solutions such as 2-1 rate buy downs (again, ideally paid for by the sellers).

When they do, you can refinance to a lower rate.Dealing with current high interest rates (about 7% on 01/27/2025) you have the following choices:A larger down paymentAccept a negative cash flowBuy down the interest rateCombine and balance all three to get an acceptable cash flow today.

The rental deals in my area are not even close to what I was doing before.

I've found that Chase has great deals (almost no closing costs) for 5+.   

Next Step: With with sparkies quote, I'd get that quote over to sellers and with an amendment all written up ready for there signing giving me a credit at closing for exactly that amount. 

These neighborhoods seem to fit my goals, especially with their lower crime rates and potential for growth.Do you think these are solid options, or would you recommend other neighborhoods in the Philadelphia area based on the price range and focus on appreciation?

We closed on our first property on November 15 and plan to employ the fix-and-flip strategy. 

Don't go for the cheapest (unless the price is lower because it is on sale), but also don't go for the most expensive. 

Have been talking about getting into real estate investing for the last 2-3 years and finally pulled the trigger on a 3 unit house hack in Soulard that will be closing later this month and will be self-managing the property.I'm trying to network a bit with other investors, build a solid team of contractors / handymen, and set my systems up in way to scale, but also so my tenants have a good experience.