Getting Started in Pittsburgh

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Getting Started in Pittsburgh

Anthony Angotti
Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 846 votes

Hello Everyone,

I am getting started in Pittsburgh and am still evaluating properties and getting my business plan together. While doing this I was hoping to introduce myself here and meet some folks in the Pittsburgh area. 

My soon to be wife and I are looking into house hacking a Duplex in the South Hills. Does anyone have any experience investing in the South Hills and have any advice on an agent with experience dealing with duplex properties? 

I've been educating myself and saving up money for about a year now and am finally ready to take action!

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Tony

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Chris Pasternak
Real Estate Broker · Pueblo, CO · Member since 2013 · 366 posts · 303 votes
10y

Hi Anthony,

My name is Chris Pasternak.  I grew up in West Mifflin and currently live in Homestead.  I'm very familiar with the south hills and have a couple rental properties in the area myself.  House hacking should be a mandatory course in all public schools nowadays!  Anyways, feel free to reach out if you want to chat sometime. 

Cheers

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  • Jeremy Pace
    Contractor · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2014 · 885 posts · 359 votes
    10y

    @Anthony Angotti

    Welcome to BP!  I live in the South Hills, so if I can be of any assistance, let me know.  I'm sure there are lots of duplexes to check out.

    0Reply
  • Jerry PadillaBusiness Member
    Lender · Rochester, NY · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    @Anthony Angotti

    Welcome to Bigger Pockets! Congrats on getting married soon! A duplex is a great way to start. @Jeremy Pace is a great connection to have in the area as he is an experienced agent and investor in the area. I am sure he can assist you. I am glad to answer any financing questions. 

    [email protected]585-204-6923
    PrimeLending 4.8582 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Helen Bollinger
    Real Estate Investor · Canonsburg, PA · Member since 2016 · 45 posts · 23 votes
    10y

    Welcome, @Anthony Angotti!  Congrats and best of luck on the business venture!  

    By house hacking, do you mean you live in one side and rent out the other?

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    New to Real Estate · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2015 · 177 posts · 69 votes
    10y

    @Anthony Angotti 

    Welcome to BiggerPockets! You have come to the right place for RE investing, lot's of great info and advice. Much success to you!

    0Reply
  • Chris Pasternak
    Real Estate Broker · Pueblo, CO · Member since 2013 · 366 posts · 303 votes
    10y

    Hi Anthony,

    My name is Chris Pasternak.  I grew up in West Mifflin and currently live in Homestead.  I'm very familiar with the south hills and have a couple rental properties in the area myself.  House hacking should be a mandatory course in all public schools nowadays!  Anyways, feel free to reach out if you want to chat sometime. 

    Cheers

    4Reply
  • Melissa Gittens
    Real Estate Broker · Windsor, CT · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 268 votes
    10y

    welcome to Biggerpockets

    0Reply
  • Gary Swank
    Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2014 · 821 posts · 255 votes
    10y

    HI Anthony, I am an experienced agent with duplex properties. I am currently helping many investors both local and remote. I know the South Hills market as well as all areas of Pittsburgh as I have lived here my whole life. Care to talk more? Feel free to reach to me. You will find my contact information in my profile or send me a message. Thanks..Gary

    0Reply
  • Anthony Angotti
    OP
    Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 846 votes
    10y

    Thank you all for welcoming me to Bigger Pockets! I was just pre-approved for financing and am beginning the journey by analyzing properties and setting up some visits today@Jeremy Pace

    @Account Closed, by house hacking I was indeed referring to living in one unit and renting the other. Since I am currently holding a full time job this will hopefully make my living expenses next to nothing and free up income to quickly invest in the second property. My long term goal is to have between 15 and 20 multifamily properties in 8 years. 

    I have a couple questions, but please let me know if I break any forum rules. I don't intend to, but I'm still getting used to things here.

    1. I've been preapproved for a conventional or FHA loan of $200,000. Interest rate is 3.0-3.5%. I've read about and understand the basic fundamental differences between both, but I'm looking for some practical advice and opinions. I have the capital to pay up to a 20% down payment and still have some reserves for repairs and unforeseen expenses, but I am also comfortable with paying PMI and having about 4% down with an FHA. Right now it seems like FHA would be the way to go because I would have more available capital for the second property, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience going the FHA route. If so, would you do it again and what drawbacks are there with going that way?
    2. Second, I have read books on landlord law and am relatively handy, but was still looking for recommendations on a handyman and lawyer. Any advice would be most appreciated to find a good one. 
    3. Lastly, I am looking in Dormont, Brookline, Beechview, and some other areas of the South Hills. I'm still looking for an agent so I would be willing to sit down and get to know anyone that may be interested, but does anyone have any advice on renting and dealhunting in these markets?

    Thank you again for welcoming me to the community and I look forward to learning and one day helping others!

      1Reply
    1. Jeremy Pace
      Contractor · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2014 · 885 posts · 359 votes
      10y

      @Anthony Angotti

      Keep all the money you can in your pocket :P glad to hear you're pre-approved.

      I'm happy to share handymen and some lawyers names as well, feel free to message me.

      I may also have a way to help you find some deals, so please message me for that as well!

      1Reply
    2. Helen Bollinger
      Real Estate Investor · Canonsburg, PA · Member since 2016 · 45 posts · 23 votes
      10y

      That's what I was thinking you meant. I know this is an easy route for many investors to get started with. I would just caution you because the rental would not be under an LLC and it would be owned by you personally. Meaning that if anything every happened, your personal assets could be at risk. Maybe speak to an attorney? Not trying to discourage you, just want you to be safe :)

      1Reply
    3. Anthony Angotti
      OP
      Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 846 votes
      10y

      @Helen Bollinger

      Is it possible to have a FHA and hold the property under an LLC? I have experience with registering a business (I own a small web design firm) and was planning on doing this here as well. I didn't necessarily know what the rules were since you must reside in the property for a FHA loan.

      Thank you!

      0Reply
    4. Anthony Angotti
      OP
      Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 846 votes
      10y

      Also, that isn't discouraging at all and thank you for the advice!

      0Reply
    5. Helen Bollinger
      Real Estate Investor · Canonsburg, PA · Member since 2016 · 45 posts · 23 votes
      10y

      @Anthony Angotti I'm not sure, to be honest.  Maybe a realtor or lender on here can answer that for you.

      0Reply
    6. Gary Swank
      Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2014 · 821 posts · 255 votes
      10y

      HI Anthony,

      Let's get together soon to discuss your goals. As an agent, I am familiar with the areas you are interested in. My contact information is in my profile or just send me an email. 

      Thanks, 

      Gary

      0Reply
    7. Jennifer Lee
      Real Estate Broker · Gibsonia, PA · Member since 2013 · 828 posts · 260 votes
      10y

      Hi @Anthony Angotti

      https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/49/topics/433...

      I don't think you can use LLC for an FHA loan ;p

      Having said that, I think Duplex hacking is a good idea.

      In fact I think @Chris Pasternak may have a triplex for you in south side that may work for your hacking, you should ask him ;p

      I am also a investor/realtor in the area ;p

      1Reply
    8. Chris Pasternak
      Real Estate Broker · Pueblo, CO · Member since 2013 · 366 posts · 303 votes
      10y

      Hi guys I do have a triplex in the south side but we're listed at 255k.  Thanks for thinking of me Jenn

      2Reply
    9. Anthony Angotti
      OP
      Real Estate Agent · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 846 votes
      10y

      @Jennifer Lee Thank you for the information! From the looks of it I will just need to have a pretty complete lease and good insurance.

      @Chris Pasternak That one is a bit out of my price range right now, but maybe one day.

      0Reply
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