As far as agents, many will sell you lipstick on a pig in a heart beat, they are looking for a commission, you need a realtor who owns rental property, will analyze the condition when you walk through it with you, can go over your number analysis with you and is a strong negotiator.

I live in central NJ at this time but Philly is home (at least in heart since I've moved around so much).

Your REI meetup will help to boost your credibility and you joining the clubs will help you find friends with common interests that would potentially translate down the road into doing business with you.My suggestion if you like to volunteer then find a cause and join the group.

A little early-week ego boost!

Honestly, if you don't mind the roommates, I'd say house-hack (or condo-hack) your heart out until you have enough saved up to purchase another property.  

This is going to change and as values surrounding Fishtown go up, buying in the heart of it remains a fantastic option for appreciation.

Lowering the out-of-pocket expenses for housing did help my savings rate get a boost.

Seems like the heart of the matter is that you are trying to accomplish two separate goals with one property purchase, and that makes it all the harder to do.

Kick 'em to the curb, unless your a soft hearted landlord.

Real estate investing has been something that has been on my heart for a while, and this is just the next step in my commitment to take massive action.A little background about myself...I am a recent 2018 college graduate from Indiana University, and I moved out to Hawaii on a whim shortly after graduation last July.