Quote from @Melanie Baldridge: Why I like investing in real estate more than 401(k)s.Both offer tax deferrals, but here's the difference:If you're making pre-tax contributions to your 401(k), then withdrawals = ordinary income tax.With real estate gains, you're paying capital gains tax (which is typically lower).Plus, RE investors get:1.

I am not a lender, I'm an investor that typically buys major city-center multifamily. 

Ensure you collect a proper security deposit (typically one month's rent in Florida) to cover potential damages.Your plan to increase rent next year makes sense given rising costs (taxes, insurance, and maintenance).

I’m excited to take my first steps into real estate investing and have decided to focus on Pittsburgh for my first property.I’d love to hear your thoughts on:*Neighborhoods or areas in Pittsburgh that are good for investment and typical price ranges I should expect.

As a new fix and flip investor lenders will typically want to see 20% down payment and will be able to fund 20% of the rehab budget (80% LTC). 

Is there a possibility of getting utilities to the place?

Typically there is a small window for you to appeal (although this could vary county to county). 

I got the terms mixed with open mortgage (no penalty to pay off early, but higher interest rates) and closed (more typical mortgage with lower rates, but the penalties to pay off the mortgage)...that'll teach me not to post too early in the morning :)

There is the Experian Boost that adds monthly utility bills as credit and various apps and facebook groups.

Quote from @Mitchell Coles: In Ohio, property liens are typically recorded at the county level, making the County Recorder's Office a valuable resource for property research.