State Specific Question About: PENNSYLVANIA (PA)

I've got 4 rentals in Pittsburgh and live in Baltimore. This worked for me for about 7 years, but I'm trying to sell off Pgh and buy more locally.

They're S8 rentals and if I use an agent, it'll make a major dent in my net profit due to all being in low-income areas.

If anyone has done a sale by owner in Pgh- did you have the best results posting in the Post-Gazette, somehow getting it listed on the MLS or zillow, or is there a local landlord/investor organization I'm not aware of that publishes listings?

Never been on the selling side before, and I just low-balled agent listings in the local Homes mag when I bought mine, so thanks for any experience you can throw my way.

There are cut rate services in most every market. They allow you to get your listing in the MLS for minimal fees. How do you plan to schedule showings etc since you are not there?

Most people expect a discount from a FSBO so you might not net as much as you think by going that route. How do you know your price is right?

I don't expect an overwhelming response, as most houses sit on the market in these lower income areas for months to years even *with* an agent, and my job is flexible enough to allow me to make a day trip of it with little notice... but I will at least look into a ReMax agent and see what they'd charge for properties worth $15-25k. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Thanks,

Jen,

What areas? I buy in McKeesport, White Oak, Dravosburg, North Versailles, West Mifflin, Port Vue and other part of the Mon Valley.

Hi, Jon. Mine are on the other side of the tracks from most of yours. 2 in the Mount Oliver area (way up the hill from E. Carson) gross $500 and $570/month (I pay water on the $570), the East Liberty grosses $680/month (tenant pays all utilities), and the Homestead grosses $515 (tenant pays all utilities)... but it's a cute little thing along the main drag, and someday the Waterfront development will creep a few blocks uphill.

I've preferred lower investment cost for a decent rental income that pays off the property within 4-5 years, so these areas appeal to me. They're definitely Section 8, although the Mt Olivers have a few homeowners across the street so maybe could be upgraded to working tenants.

Hoping to turn the proceeds into Baltimore properties. Baltimore is more expensive and rents only partially make up for that, but I want to consolidate here.