Hello,

So here is my issue. I live in San Diego and I found a property 30 minutes outside Pittsburgh in a town called baden. My friend is a wholesaler and has it under contract for 18k 

it needs about 55k worth of work and initial comps indicate arv should be around 120k

plenty of meat on the bone. Only one problem. I don't know a soul in Pittsburgh.

How do I go about finding trustworthy realtors, contractors etc. in that area without breaking the rules of the bigger pockets forums?

Please advise

@Phil Spadaro

Yeah, you've got a problem. I live and operate in Pittsburgh and I don't know more than a bare handful of realtors and contractors, etc. Finding rental deals in this area that look better than San Diego's are not a problem at all -- getting reliable people to work on them when you're across the country...not so easy. By way of explanation, are you willing to leave San Diego and come live here for the incredible real estate opportunities?

@jim k no I am not willing to leave san diego. I am looking for reliable trustworthy people I can work with in your area.

Hi, my name is Jhon Restrepo, im a newbie and live in north nj , 5 hours driving from Pitsburgh, would you consider a partnership?

Originally posted by @Phil Spadaro :

@jim k no I am not willing to leave san diego. I am looking for reliable trustworthy people I can work with in your area.

 Of course you are. You and every other investor in California. The good ones have been snapped up, and the bad ones who need regular supervision to do semi-reliable work are all that's left. And since you're not willing to move here, and I don't blame you, you're out of luck.

@Phil Spadaro . Reach out to realtor Anthony Angotti he’s trustworthy and from what I remember did a flip in Baden himself not to long ago

@Chris Rider thank you that’s helpful i will

@Phil Spadaro I'm sending you a private message. I know a lot of people in Pittsburgh. Thanks, Gary

My first order of business is put it on the market to unload your meat.  Some do OK with Craigslist or sell it through a realtor.  I will not spend much time other than clean it up and marketing for sale.  Chances are there are cost overruns. Unless you stay on top of things being there I would not want to sink any time and resources. 

I'm heading down river to Aliquippa this morning. Send me the address!

-AF

@Sam Shueh That is an approach I had not thought of. thank you.

@Phil Spadaro my advice is to not do this deal if it’s your first deal.

@Phil Spadaro I know that area pretty well if you wanted to send me specifics on it I can give you my 2 cents. 

@Phil Spadaro

I'm about 90 minutes away and happy to help out however I can. Looks like you got some great responses already so my offer applies to all who posted.

@Phil Spadaro I flipped a house in Baden and it was difficult to find contractors over there for me. I would say that ARV might be aggressive for the area. Not obscenely so, but is high. I don't know the house though so my opinion isn't worth much. Just considering the area in general.

For what it's worth I know @Jeremy Taggart does a lot over there and he might be able to help you.