We've had to eat most of our meals out as we don't have a functioning kitchen and the constant presence of the construction crew has made it difficult to have any type of privacy, let alone some peace and quiet for my 9 month old baby.

Hi all,I am just starting to learn about real estate and loving the idea so far.Me and my wife came to U.S.A 2 years ago with green cards (from Albania) and we settled in Philadelphia,PA.All the time we thinking to buy a house but since this credit thing has been an issue for us i think we will have to wait a lil bit.My question is simple:should i wait till i buy my house and then start looking for investments in RE or should i start looking even if i rent a property for my self?

Your turn costs will eat you alive. 

I had several friends who lived in Village Green on Dequindre, I doubt the rent is any higher, now than it was 20 years ago. 

Green street communities.

These were the neighborhoods around the Atlantic Rail Yards, Fort Greene, and Boerum Hill which is now home to the Brooklyn Nets and the site of numerous $400M luxury apartment developments.Of course this analogy is a stretch because of obvious differences between northern Utah and New York city.  

Keep your eyes open for that green store opening up!

@Joel Duguay - As already stated, the tax implications should be a non-issue on the sale of your primary residence.As an alternative to selling, you could also pull out a ton of equity with a HELOC and potentially have your cake and eat it too.  

Didn't he eat?

NJ properties tend to go up more in value; however, taxes are very high and eat a big chunk of rental income.