However, that being said I really can't afford a 408k loan, as the Philly rental market really doesn't support high enough rents to cover a mortgage such a property. 

While we can afford it, it would definitely compromise being able to act on a true investment opportunity that may develop.

Bernie Sanders wants a 25% “house flipping” tax levied against investors who sell a property at a profit within five years of purchase.He also wants a 2 percent “empty homes tax” on the property value of vacant homes in order to discourage real estate investment.From Bernie's Website"When Bernie is president, he will:Create an office within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate and work with states and municipalities to strengthen rent control and tenant protections, implement fair and inclusive zoning ordinances, streamline review processes and direct funding where these changes are made.This office will convene key leaders, academics, experts, local officials, renters, tenants, and homeowners to create and implement these necessary solutions.Preempt laws that prevent inclusionary zoning for luxury developments.End exclusionary and restrictive zoning ordinances and replace them with zoning that encourages racial, economic, and disability integration that makes housing more affordable.Require that recipients of federal funding from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development make these important zoning reforms.Provide funding to states that preempt local exclusionary zoning ordinances to make housing more equitable, accessible and affordable for all.Make federal funding contingent on creating livable communities.Encourage zoning and development that promotes integration and access to public transportation to reduce commuting time, congestion and long car commutes.Prioritize projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create walkable and livable communities, and reduce urban sprawl.Encourage zoning and development designed to expand and maximize the number of units fully accessible to people with disabilities.Place a 25 percent House Flipping tax on speculators who sell a non-owner-occupied property, if sold for more than it was purchased within 5 years of purchase.Impose a 2 percent Empty Homes tax on the property value of vacant, owned homes to bring more units into the market and curb the use of housing as speculative investment.Encourage “circuit breakers” on property taxes to protect homeowners in gentrifying neighborhoods from being priced out of their own homes as their property values rise.READ MORE: https://berniesanders.com/issues/housing-all/From my point of view, anything that impedes or obstructs REI's cash flow is a bad thing.

Since housing is fairly affordable in this area, individuals can find their own place without a shared space at a similiar price.

Hello, I used to have umbrella with GEICO that was pretty affordable, but once I purchased over 4 properties, they refused to carry my insurance and referred me to their sister company RLI.

Helping with a down payment is one thing but helping someone buy a house they can’t afford is another.

IMO, first month, last month, plus I dunno...lets call it $3k for damage security is about right.But yes, it's a heck of a lot of money to come up with, and in many markets the tenants will never be able to afford that.

I have been advising for about 7 years and while I do enjoy what I do, I am hoping to do more with this life I have been afforded.

(Alternatively, bill in advance for $X,XXX dollars to be spent on materials, and then provide receipt tracking for materials bought against that bill, billing additional as needed)The problem I've seen over and over again is that investors will turn contractors into unwilling lenders with none of the protection (Deeds) or benefits (Interest) afforded to a real lender.

I like to focus on affordable housing in growing urban center given it's relatively recession proof.