We have a variety of properties here in Raleigh, just like any city, and your risk tolerance is going to play a large role in what you end up getting. 

You can also go to meet up.com and check out a variety of real estate meet ups.

the great thing about Philly is the variety of neighborhoods and opportunities to be had here.

If the tenant keeps a place nice, plants flowers, or does good maintenance I try to acknowledge that.

What most people find is that doing only their own work can be (eventually) not enough to keep the pipe full, and they have to start dealing with sales, marketing, and customers.Additionally, as a contractor, you are constantly fighting a variety of federal and state alphabet agencies that will take any and every chance to take a bite out of you. 

There will be a variety of sources to check everything there.

I've been in real estate full time for 10 years with a variety of experience (development, renovations, property management, and some time-not current- as a Realtor listing and selling properties).

There might be a variety of reasons - Maybe Seller wants to move or maybe Seller wants to use proceeds from sale to buy something else.Investor ("Buyer") recognizes great deal but doesn't have the cash to pay the Seller's price.

They've got the dozens of transactions per year under their belt, with their clients using a variety of different lenders, and see how it plays out.I already know exactly what 95% of realtors would say in answer to that question, but go have the experience. :)

Thanks for the info @Van Flowers and @Alison Reeves.