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. 

I also believe the study needs to be properly engineered and thorough, because without that level of detail, the projected savings may not justify the upfront cost.

In some areas, the ROI ends up being more stable than pure nightly STR.At a $250k purchase price, I’d pay close attention to:• Local STR regulations and enforcement trends• True occupancy patterns (not just projected revenue)• Seasonality dips• Insurance + turnover costs in that zip code• Your exit strategy if you ever pivot to long-termOut-of-state can look stronger on paper, but it adds layers operationally unless you already have reliable boots on the ground.If your goal is scaling, I’d focus more on operational predictability and repeatable systems over chasing the highest projected ROI.Happy to share a little more of what I’m seeing in ATL from the operations side if it helps.

I use QuickBooks Online and organize everything using Projects.

What's the projected cash flow and cash on cash return? 

laughed when I saw that comment as you are correct don, we correspond with multiple DSCR lenders who are the institutional lenders and most do not allow a second and if you do it has to be disclosed upfront and never would allow 100% financing on it AND it still has to meet their DSCR requirements.Saying it does not matter basically is admitting to mortgage fraud.

Many of these firms act as middlemen and may mark up properties or provide inflated rent projections.

But when people who have little-to-no experience with weapons start projecting on to /diagnosing those who do, it is a bit much.

You’re not a random office where they’re one of 200 clients.Communication – Clear update schedule (monthly report, repair approvals, tenant issues).Cost savings – Yes, lower fee, but frame it as efficiency, not discount labor.Shared trust – You’re protecting their homes like your own.But — and this is important — you also need to show you’re taking this seriously as a business, not a favor.Before you pitch, line up:A basic management agreement (spell out duties, fees, repair limits, etc.)Process for maintenance (who you call, response times, emergency plan)Screening criteria (income, credit, background, pets)Rent collection system (online payments only — no chasing checks)Local landlord-tenant laws knowledge for VAStarting tips that matter most:Screening makes or breaks everything.

My partner and I are preparing to purchase our first investment deal, and after years of studying our local market and saving capital, we believe we’ve finally found the right opportunity.The property was originally purchased by a flipper who began renovations but ultimately had the project red-tagged by the township.