Investing in Surrounding PGH Areas
Hi there. First-time poster here, very new member of BP.
I'm a renter who is not looking to buy my own place -- unless I can house hack w/in a couple miles of downtown.
Because I believe the chances of finding my ideal house hack to be pretty slim, I'm thinking about buying a SFH or MFH somewhere within a one-hour driving distance from Pittsburgh. My goal is to purchase a property in 2021, but learn the most I that can about the local market in the meantime.
My plan so far is to get a mortgage to purchase a property for $70K-$90K that needs minimal work ("minimal" as in a coat of paint, maybe a new mailbox, etc.), or already has a tenant/tenants in place.
From what I've been seeing online, seems like my best bet would be in the areas/counties surrounding Pittsburgh.
I've heard Erie is a good option. Jeannette is street by street. Someone on a forum here warned against New Kensington. Another poster recommended Latrobe, and another said Charleroi had been working out OK.
I moved to Pittsburgh three years ago, so I'm still learning my way around. What areas would be good for my price range that would also offer a reliable tenant base?
Or is what I'm looking for unreasonable? What can I expect out of my price point?
Thanks for any advice. ana.