22-Year-Old AI Engineer in Erie, PA — Planning First Flip, Looking to Connect

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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22-Year-Old AI Engineer in Erie, PA — Planning First Flip, Looking to Connect

Sami Ennaciri
Member since 2026 · 2 posts · 5 votes

I'm Sami, 22 years old, AI engineer living in Erie, PA. I've spent the last few months studying the Erie market intensely and I'm planning to do my first house flip within the next year or so.

Here's where I'm at:

  • Stable W2 income ($85K), aggressively saving toward a $35K+ war chest for my first deal
  • Targeting cosmetic-rehab properties in Little Italy, West Bayfront, and the Academy area - $40K-$60K purchase price, $130K-$155K ARV range
  • Studying sold comps, driving neighborhoods on weekends, and learning renovation skills through Habitat for Humanity and hands-on practice
  • Planning to use hard money financing for the first deal

What makes me a little different: I'm using my AI/software engineering background to build deal analysis tools - automated comp pulling, ARV estimation, distressed property alerts, and rehab cost calculators. I'm building the toolkit I wish existed for small-market investors.

My long-term goal is to build a real estate portfolio over 5-10 years. Flip to build capital, then transition into BRRRR for passive income.

I'm looking to connect with:

  • Erie-area investors (flippers, landlords, wholesalers) - I'd love to buy you coffee and hear about your experience in this market
  • Contractors who work on residential rehabs in Erie County
  • Investor-friendly agents who understand the numbers side, not just the listing side
  • Anyone who's done tax sale purchases in Erie County - I'm planning to attend the next one as an observer

In return, I'm happy to share what I'm building on the tech/automation side. If you've ever wished you had a tool that could analyze 50 deals in 10 minutes or alert you the second a new distressed property hits the market, that's exactly what I'm working on.

I'm not looking for handouts or shortcuts - just genuine connections with people who know this market. I'm putting in the work to learn and I know I have a lot to learn from people who've been doing this.

If you're in the Erie area or invest here remotely, drop a comment or shoot me a DM. Always happy to grab coffee or jump on a call.

Thanks for reading - excited to be part of this community.

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  • Jay TolugantiPro Member
    Investor · Clearwater, FL · Member since 2025 · 226 posts · 79 votes
    7mo

    You packed two three strategies in there. I would use AI to eliminate a lead and whatever is left, I would underwrite myself. I dont have experience with Tax Sales in PA but I tried them in FL and GA. I believe those are for wholesalers or for people who did handful of flips, but not for someone who is starting out. My recommendation would be to find your local REIA and attend the meetings. You are more likely to find like minded people there.

    0Reply
  • Elise Bickel TauberBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cranberry Twp · Member since 2017 · 385 posts · 198 votes
    7mo

    Why are you selecting Erie PA? While I understand that you are living in that area, the area hasn't been as vibrant and reliable as it was 30+ years ago. Have you thought about picking a bigger city like closer to Pittsburgh?

    0Reply
    • Sami Ennaciri
      OP
      Member since 2026 · 2 posts · 5 votes
      7mo
      Quote from @Elise Bickel Tauber:

      Why are you selecting Erie PA? While I understand that you are living in that area, the area hasn't been as vibrant and reliable as it was 30+ years ago. Have you thought about picking a bigger city like closer to Pittsburgh?


       My thinking was pretty much exactly your thinking and so i thought why not erie pa. I assume most people think like that and so maybe less competetion for a beginner 

      0Reply
  • Elise Bickel TauberBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Cranberry Twp · Member since 2017 · 385 posts · 198 votes
    7mo

    You are probably right!

    0Reply
  • Ryan Ash
    Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 9 votes
    6mo
    Quote from @Sami Ennaciri:

    I'm Sami, 22 years old, AI engineer living in Erie, PA. I've spent the last few months studying the Erie market intensely and I'm planning to do my first house flip within the next year or so.

    Here's where I'm at:

    • Stable W2 income ($85K), aggressively saving toward a $35K+ war chest for my first deal
    • Targeting cosmetic-rehab properties in Little Italy, West Bayfront, and the Academy area - $40K-$60K purchase price, $130K-$155K ARV range
    • Studying sold comps, driving neighborhoods on weekends, and learning renovation skills through Habitat for Humanity and hands-on practice
    • Planning to use hard money financing for the first deal

    What makes me a little different: I'm using my AI/software engineering background to build deal analysis tools - automated comp pulling, ARV estimation, distressed property alerts, and rehab cost calculators. I'm building the toolkit I wish existed for small-market investors.

    My long-term goal is to build a real estate portfolio over 5-10 years. Flip to build capital, then transition into BRRRR for passive income.

    I'm looking to connect with:

    • Erie-area investors (flippers, landlords, wholesalers) - I'd love to buy you coffee and hear about your experience in this market
    • Contractors who work on residential rehabs in Erie County
    • Investor-friendly agents who understand the numbers side, not just the listing side
    • Anyone who's done tax sale purchases in Erie County - I'm planning to attend the next one as an observer

    In return, I'm happy to share what I'm building on the tech/automation side. If you've ever wished you had a tool that could analyze 50 deals in 10 minutes or alert you the second a new distressed property hits the market, that's exactly what I'm working on.

    I'm not looking for handouts or shortcuts - just genuine connections with people who know this market. I'm putting in the work to learn and I know I have a lot to learn from people who've been doing this.

    If you're in the Erie area or invest here remotely, drop a comment or shoot me a DM. Always happy to grab coffee or jump on a call.

    Thanks for reading - excited to be part of this community.


     Not going to lie Sammie, I cant help you too much on your requests outside of an extremely investor friendly agent (not me, but my agent) He's fantastic, so happy to connect. 

    Really though would love to connect w/ you personally, the software sounds really interesting. Im a newer investor in the area, just purchased a SFH rental a few months ago in Alleghany county and looking to expand into multi's in coming years. The rehab portion of the process of a BRRRR is my blind spot. Would love to connect with you either way, see how we could help each other out in the future!

    0Reply
  • Corey Gilroy
    Real Estate Agent · Arlington, VA · Member since 2019 · 45 posts · 13 votes
    5mo

    @Ryan Ash I’m interested in the Erie PA market. Do you currently invest there? Would love to connect on your thoughts on the market. Starting to look into buying again myself soonish

    0Reply
    • Ryan Ash
      Member since 2026 · 14 posts · 9 votes
      5mo

      @Corey Gilroy happy to connect Corey, just sent you a request. 

      im not familiar with the Erie market specifically, no. I've been looking mainly in Allegheny County. Carnegie, Crafton, Bellevue areas. 

      0Reply
  • Terrance HillPro Member
    Realtor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2010 · 425 posts · 117 votes
    5mo

    Hey Sami welcome. Respect the approach. Erie is definitely one of those markets where tight comps and rehab accuracy matter a lot more than hype, so your focus on data + hands-on learning is a strong combo

    0Reply
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