So many questions for Lancaster County, PA

[Melissa Lapinski]

Hello. My name is Melissa Lapinski and I am currently living in Elizabethtown, PA. I have been interested in investing in real estate for 10 years now. I got my PA real estate sales license back in 2004 so I could get some insider information into the whole business.

Because of personal issues beyond my control, I had to let my license expire and focus all my attention on other things. Now I am considering trying to get into the investment part again, but I have no money or credit, but millions of questions.

One of my main questions is about my daughter. She is going to be 4 next month. The reason that I bring her up is because from what I have read so far, it seems that the best way to get started would be to try to purchase a multifamily property and occupy part of it while renting the other(s). I am a bit concerned about raising her in a place where the school district or neighborhood may not be the best for kids. Yet at the same time, it seems that my best chances of purchasing might be in a setting that is more "city" than rural. (I would love to hear more ideas on that part as well - city vs rural).

If anyone knows any mortgage brokers in the area that I can speak with about some of my questions, please let me know. I would like to know if mortgage lenders would be more likely to lend for a home that is in a nice area, with a better projected home value in the future or a property that is priced lower.

I also read a tiny bit about FHA 203 loans that cover the cost of the property and the repairs? At least that's what I thought I read. I am definitely going to be looking more into that, but if anyone feels like telling more about that, I would really appreciate it!!

Thank you all for making this website so full of information!!