So do your research, but also consider passive investing Visa V syndications or even equity reits, Which have historically outperformed the S and P 500 over 20, 30, fifty years and even outperformed direct, active ownership of real estate by 4 to 6 per cent.

@Greg Kasmer would you still call the rental company even with that much time passed since renting?

Even paying the state tax up there, I come out better buying in Arkansas. 

Happy to chat over options with you. there are plenty of roads you can go down, even by not taking out any debt against the property.

Best part is, your money will continue to grow even while you have loaned it out to yourself.

Even possibly self managing.

Whether you're looking for single-family homes, multifamily properties, or commercial spaces, Philadelphia's real estate market has something to offer for investors focused on building equity and cash flow over the long term. 

I am exploring the possibility of not only fixing things but doing a renovation to bring an old half bath into a fully functional bath, renovate the entrance and foyer among other things and possibly even an addition to the house.

And in all of those, there was no bank involved in a single one. 

I currently have a duplex and 2 single family homes but I found a 8 plex that needs some rehabbing.