It might be a speculation play or just garbage for people who don’t know any better.

Pick an area of PA that you would like to invest in and get to know the area and what you can get for rent vs. how much the property costs and what your expenses will be. keep in mind that in most of PA that taxes do not cover everything, like in NJ, and they are split up. you will have county tax, school tax, you may have one or two more to pay depending on where you are ( all paid separate) you will have to pay for garbage separate.

It should not be part of your operating expenses, but located "below the line" as a reserve taken from NOI in a manner similar to your debt service.To be conservative in your analysis, I would boost the vacancy allowance to 10%,   Have you accounted for garbage collection (or is it provided by the municipality) and grounds keeping?

Before you rent out the property be sure and replace anything that may go out in the near future...water heater, HVAC, garbage disposal, faucets, toilet mechanisms, supply lines to toilets and faucets, dishwasher, etc. 

Nope... so far they are all garbage in our area.

What's the best way to find expense cost like utilities/electricity/garbage?

Also, when the Google photo car drives by, make sure there aren't any couches and garbage laying in the yard.

I would be happy to connect you with a lender so you can review what the best options would be for your personal situation.High level example of a recent duplex I just purchased to house hack in the twin cities: Acquisition Cost:Purchase Price: $475,000Down Payment: $16,625Estimated Monthly Cashflow when moved out:Rental Income (when both sounds are rented): $4600Mortgage + Insurance + Taxes: $3,600 Utilities (Garbage + Water): $100Cap Ex: $150Repairs & Maintenance: $150Monthly Cash flow: $600Annual ROI: 43% There are not many other investments in the current state of the market where you can produce a 43% return in addition to the equity you will gain by having tenants pay down your mortgage amount!

Then from that you take away the10% for property management $290 plus garbage , water and maintenance another $300 ....

So of course their credit was garbage.