As a result - you may not want to be so aggressive with your losses/deductions.PA also does not recognize the deferring of 1031 gain.

Hi Ben - I am a CPA who invests in PA(Allentown).Please be mindful that PA is a tricky state to invest in.PA is one of the few states that does not recognize 1031 exchanges.

It's been so long since I've been on BP I don't even  recognize the format!

If on the otherhand you have the"caregiver" gene and genuinely like to help people and can empathize with the stresses (over buying and selling) and emotions and act in parental role with complete strangers then i am sure you will be unstoppable in this field.

Of course I would never rely solely on their information and I would analyze every deal I'm interested in myself as well but how am I supposed to recognize a deal to pursue without knowing the comps, market rents, etc?

The book doesn't discourage home ownership, rather getting people to recognize that and to make sure your assets bring in more than your liabilities so you are truly financially free.

I'm asking this from a place of genuine curiosity.

At some point the city rightfully recognized that your area was more appropriate for commercial than residential development and changed the zoning. 

The nomenclature that I used may not be exact, but my goal is to be able to recognize a great deal vs. an average deal.

I recommend instead: look for a genuinely motivated Seller, who'll give you a real discount!