I would not go back to such a strategy but am a firm believer in long term buy and hold with large commercial nits -apartments in particular.This is where I think a guy with Will skills kills it even more than flipping maybe with the buy and holds.  

All in all, design is more art than science.

He has no money and little management skill and allowed the properties to go to the state land commisioner's and filed bankruptcy before I got involved.

Francisville, North Broad, and Brewerytown are north of the city and are on the cheaper end, they are close to the nicer Fairmount and Art Museum Neighborhoods.

Eventually I have been able to pick up some decent skills.

They will typically manage the property/rehab using their own skills and know-how. 

You have 3 options I see ask family members for money, find a bank that will lend or go the hard money route. my advice is to Go to REIA meetings and start learning the art of asking questions. 

Is that a difficult skill set to develop?

tour mindset is all bad, I’ve seen the worst places become a work of art!!!

I'm an old geezer and have acquired a lot of skills and tools over the years so we can do everything ourselves.