Entry-level properties move faster, and margins are no longer forgiving for sloppy underwriting or hopeful pricing.But here’s the important part:A competitive market does not mean an unprofitable one — it means a more strategic one.Scranton’s 2026 Appreciation Changes the Math EntirelyAccording to national projections, Scranton is expected to see over 11% year-over-year appreciation in 2026.That appreciation is exclusive of forced value.Which means investors here aren’t choosing between: appreciation or cash flowThey’re stacking: market appreciation + renovation equity + rent growth + operational improvementsThat combination is exceptionally rare — especially in markets with relatively low barriers to entry.Appraisal Friction: The Real (But Manageable) Pain PointOne of the biggest challenges investors face in Scranton — and in most secondary markets — is dinosaur-aged appraisal methodology.Many appraisals still: lag real buyer demand, underweight stabilized rental income, & fail to reflect renovation quality accurately. 

If so, the study pays for itself very quickly, but you need to make sure the fee structure makes sense for a single-family asset.I’d be happy to run a free estimate for you so you can see the projected savings before you commit to hiring anyone.

When you get the inspection report, evaluate projects that you need to do now vs deferring and budget those in. 

Currently trying to get into wholesaling and have the basics down.

I would select a market which has strong rental demand and affordable entry costs like TX, then I would calculate basic deal metrics which include cash on cash return and monthly cash flow before I start my advanced analysis.

The rehabs are similar but the approach is different.When I started BRRRR’g projects I tended to do them as if it would be a flip.

Investment Info:Single-family residence renovation investment.Purchase price: $45,000Cash invested: $43,650Sale price: $135,000Contributors:Peter VekselmanPartner Driven partnered with Preston Moore on a renovation project in Guntersville, Alabama.

Long approval timelines and layered zoning hurdles pushed builders and capital into surrounding counties where projects were simply easier to execute.

Old post but I figure I would comment here... my Company, Maven Cost Segregation has done studies on projects like this.

if it does not project an annual return significantly in excess of 20%, then it typically is not worth my effort/risk.