Winter and road construction. 

There is also a parking ban in the winter from December to April that would pose a problem for winter 6 month leases.

These are all separate line items in the closing disclosure:Line item: INSURANCE Premium $2500 (will be go to insurance agent @ closing)Addt'l Line item: 12 months INSURANCE escrow $2500Addt'l Line item: 3 months INSURANCE escrow @ $208 / month, for a total of $624Line item: 12 months TAXES escrow $7000Addt'l Line Item: 3 TAXES months @ $582 / month, for total of $1750If you add all that up, they are seeking $14,375 in escrow for est $7000 in taxes (due in Nov) and $2500 in insurance due in 12 months.  

We are currently meeting at Vaughn Forest Church the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

What about cream or forest green?

-Paint fumes are not good for you and you will want to stay at a hotel or a friend's house at least the night that you painted, even with your windows open (I don't recommend keeping windows open during the winter nights in Philly).

Second the rents on one are going up over 200 a month in about 4 months (originally rented in winter) and rents on another are going up about 100. 300 more a month is quite a bit and can really move the ROI meter.Another very important aspect you did not consider, while living there i am saving 1000-1500 a month in rent.

I want to buy my first property sometime between the Winter and Spring of 2016.

The house has signs for a preservation company that winterized it, but the company says no sales info or renting info.

There is a local meetup in Lake forest every month that you should check out. http://meetu.ps/2QWCkhIf you would like to meet up before then and talk about investing let me know.