Sounds like there is a lot of leg work of going and looking at houses with an agent I trust (being new that is a challenge).  

@@Ryland Taniguchi  just pullin your leg  !!!!

Hopefully ones that will not cost me an arm and a leg. 

You're in the right place to learn about Philadelphia real estate and it sounds like you've already got a leg up on most new investors with your day job. 

You're competing against investors and other owner/investors but there are a ton of ways to get a leg up on the competition.Get financing:  You may be selling yourself short with criteria.  

i would spend that money on a marketing campaign so you can get some leads coming in.go on craigslistform some partnerships with other investors. tell them youll do most of the leg work as long as they can help you do a deal and then split profits 5050 or something. if you are low on funds tell them to fund your marketing campaign and youll send them all the leads you get.  

Most definitely get involved with your local REIAs like Account Closed said but here is something where you can get a leg up.

The best thing you can do is start young, so you already have a leg up on most people!

Hello Everyone,If you have to look for the contractor that is amazing to me as my bank does all the leg work for you.At any rate I would highly recommend this loan for anyone wanting to move into something that needs repairs.

Your ability to repair and manage property will give you a leg up on us out of state investors.