I'm an agent and investor in Phoenix so would love to get on a call and discuss how I decided on becoming an agent and give you any insight into the local market!

Start networking with local agents and investors for insights, and talk to a lender to get pre-approved to understand your budget.

Sometimes folks overlook how real prce apprecation can be impacted by having acreage that’s not typical in suburban areas.In Phoenix, where I’m based, a lot of us collaborate with local probate attorneys who know about hidden opportunities that never see the open market.

Staying local and house hacking—especially now, before kids—gives you so much flexibility to set yourselves up for long-term success.Your financial foundation is super strong, and house hacking a quad sounds like an amazing first step for you two.

@Zach Denny  Similar to what Minna posted above, I have done with a local portfolio lender bank where they set their own lending rules. 

From tax stand point I would think you can separate from primary and be okay with IRS being that IRS will not be local code enforcement.  

I feel like I need to stay local (Greater Cincinnati OH)2-4 units.  

Many municipalities allow appeals, and the savings can be substantial if successful.Pro Tip: Work with a tax advisor or attorney familiar with local property tax laws to improve your chances of winning an appeal.2.

Most owners are local and therefore “hot” money or out of area players are not yet chasing Pittsburgh assets, keeping prices favorable.References United States Census Bureauhttp://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2017/august/economic-impact-report.htmlMarcus & Millichap 2017 Multifamily Investment Forecast2017 Commercial Real Estate Trends Report by Integra Realty Resourceshttp://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/September-2017/Staying-CMU-All-Eyes-on-Carnegie-Mellons-Future/http://www.nextpittsburgh.com/features/pittsburgh-developments-watch-2017/

Personally, I’ve been looking for ways to align creativity with the numbers, whether that’s finding undervalued properties, building relationships with local agents, or pivoting to new strategies.