I've experienced what you are going through in the Austin market, where everyone is a player with money making offers up to $10,000 to $15,000 over asking price. 

I did go to the courthouse not expecting many players but to my surprise their were many investors bidding high.

I have heard mixed reviews about Spartan lately (big memphis Turnkey player) and the amount of time its taking them to find tenants.

Sort of like your quarterback and key player, in my opinion.We spent about 6 months interviewing PMs, calling as prospect landlord, calling as prospect tenants.

We have several loans with NASB which is a big player in this space as well as 2 'HELOC' type of loans from a Private Lender at 80% LTV on a couple of properties that we owned free and clear in our retirement accounts, and used that to put down payments on new properties using commercial non-recourse loans.

However, the city is still small enough (400,000 population) and overlooked by the bigger players that there are a lot of low priced high return opportunities.

I am a "retired" professional poker player, I have been fortunate to do fairly well over the years in poker, but I have become disillusioned with playing the game for a living, and feel like it is time for a change. 

The only problem is that I'm not very familiar with the Philly areas yet and don't know many players in the area.

I’d look at what the more active players do and copy that format until you find your own voice.I personally won’t buy a property unless I get eyes on (not anymore at least) and I think youll want to get comfortable pre communicating with your seller that you’ll bring a potential partner by to take a look. for all you know, they are a potential partner!

I promise you, you will not be disappointed in these books that I have listed, these are the books that the big players have on their book shelf.