We have several loans with NASB which is a big player in this space as well as 2 'HELOC' type of loans from a Private Lender at 80% LTV on a couple of properties that we owned free and clear in our retirement accounts, and used that to put down payments on new properties using commercial non-recourse loans.

However, the city is still small enough (400,000 population) and overlooked by the bigger players that there are a lot of low priced high return opportunities.

I am a "retired" professional poker player, I have been fortunate to do fairly well over the years in poker, but I have become disillusioned with playing the game for a living, and feel like it is time for a change. 

The only problem is that I'm not very familiar with the Philly areas yet and don't know many players in the area.

I’d look at what the more active players do and copy that format until you find your own voice.I personally won’t buy a property unless I get eyes on (not anymore at least) and I think youll want to get comfortable pre communicating with your seller that you’ll bring a potential partner by to take a look. for all you know, they are a potential partner!

I promise you, you will not be disappointed in these books that I have listed, these are the books that the big players have on their book shelf.

@Taj Richardson we would be strictly equity players.

They are realistic about condition and cost - they also have good network references.I have been in the Central Pa area for 6 years and am still learning the nuances of neighborhoods, unit ages, good vs bad condition, and good players.

Feel as though you need to be an elite player to really make your investment a homer here, and that means making your listing stick out/pop and having tremendous management. 

That said, Central Florida is virtually nothing but tourism and both the state and the major players - Disney, Universal, etc - won't just wither away without spending ship fulls of cash on marketing efforts.