Direct lenders are great for portfolio style loans, investors that do significant transactions and have a banking relationship. 

They just don’t keep up with the growth appreciation rates of other properties in the same neighborhood or even the same building.

If the answer to the last question is yes, I think it'll be a hard choice.I see a reasonable appreciation rate for underwriting at about 6% based on neighborhood scout, so nominally I think you'll make 10-11% if you had paid cash which means I think you'll do quite well holding on (20% returns or so). 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

I wouldn’t move into the house because I currently own in a better neighborhood close by.Have they made it easier to get heloc’s for investment properties.

In a city like Philly, you will face many challenges - you need to learn the market and know the neighborhood and the block and make sure all of your numbers are within reason, you need very reliable contractors, you need a to understand the permit process, you need to be familiar with market expectations. 

I'd recommend interviewing multiple PM's and seeing which one fits your style and expectations.

The only choice is do we go forward in denial to incur a Soviet Style collapse.

I want a real estate agent with a hustler's mentality, who knows the neighborhoods, studies appreciation and deal analysis already, understands short-term rentals, and is potentially looking to be a scalable partner with me.

The only place this would appear to make sense is in Class D neighborhoods which could cash flow.You have rights to income but nothing else - sounds like an unsecured note at the end of the day.Chris you make good points.