If you need a agent to work up numbers with a investment or give you the basic details about a neighborhood then YOU ARE NOT READY TO BUY and NOT a investor. I highly suggest for you to target a select few neighborhoods and learn the values. Learn what sells in those markets and what type of repairs are needed and expected from buyers. Does the market dictate granite countertops or does a formica get you top money? Hardwood or carpet? Stainless or white appliances? Etc. Learn your market and target a select few towns. I hope this helps.

Also yes please find yourself a agent who understands the mindset of a investor. Also you are not really looking at "houses".............what you're looking for are "motivated sellers". More times than not the house will be vacant and will need repairs. If you need repair money look into the FHA 203k rehab program. Google this and start reading up.

Some agents are drawn to the business because they love looking a houses. Others thrive on the gratification of helping people find their dream homes. There are many agents who struggle with analytics and math; and of course, there are those who excel, too.

For a good agent to be productive and effective on your behalf as an investor, the agent needs to have strong analytical skills and be a numbers person. The merit of the deal trumps the pretty house for investment purposes.

Since you said you are looking to buy your first house, am I correct in assuming this is your first home and you will be an owner-occupant? If so, don't dismiss your person preferences and the suitability of the property to meet your lifestyle needs.

Another great post by Don Tepper ..... Blake, he's right on the money ...

Blake I am with Northwood Realty. I have my own investment company named Housing Investment Company formed in 1982. Much investment background. Why are you interested in starting in Northside? Because of the casino plans? Why not outside the city in a nice area? Contact me at jennym@northwood.com

Blake,

What kind of investments are you looking for? Single family, multi family, or new to anything? I ask because having a plan is half the battle. The second half is buying in the right markets at the right time.

I would suggest you do your "due diligence" prior to investing, anywhere! Affirm your data and then go for it...but use your investment time horizon and tolerance level.

Lastly, if you are interested in purchasing new construction homes outside the Pittsburg market, where you can cash flow immediately, you should browse http://www.nwrei.net. These homes are recently closed transactions, but we have many other opportunities on hand.

Good luck, and feel free to ask any questions about investing, abroad or not. That is what I do for a living!

Denton Ward
denton@nwrei.net

The advice offered below is good up to a point. Yes, you want someone who really knows the area. Yes, you want to check references and get recommendations. Absolutely.

But you also described yourself as an investor. That means you also want an investor-friendly agent. Not only that, but one who works with other investors. And not only that, but one who invests him/herself. There are plenty of really, really good agents out there who don't like working with investors. They don't like making low offers on property. They don't know how to do a successful short sale. They think that a house that perhaps needs a coat of paint is a "great investment." They think that a house that's listed for $500,000 that'd rent for perhaps $1,700 would be a "great investment" because it's in a good neighborhood (oh, and because it's their listing). Now, again, these aren't bad agents. Some are very good agents. It's just that they don't understand real estate investment...just as some agents don't specialize in commercial real estate...or like to handle rental properties.

As you yourself indicate, you need to find an agent with experience in investing.

I'd suggest attending a meeting at one or more real estate investor clubs in your area. Here's a link to some in Pennsylvania: http://www.creonline.com/real-estate-clubs/pa.html Good investor-friendly real estate agents will be active in those clubs. And ask some of the more active club members who they use.

Good luck.

Check out this great investment property at http://www.pghhouse.com

Check out this great investment property at http://www.pghhouse.com

I do not live or work in the Pittsburgh area so I don't know anyone personally to refer however it's really important to work w/ someone you click with who knows the business. There are so many great young agents working in the market today who not only know the business but are tech savy and have great ideas. If you still haven't found anyone email me and I'll see who I can find for you in the area .
Good Luck!

Agents are a great way to find good deals, but if you're a young investor, it's all about finding that "motivated seller"

Don't forget to try Pittsburgh's craigslist!

Great thanks for your help everybody.

Hi Blake! As the Somers indicated, research is your best friend when it comes to finding the right agent. Almost all agents have websites that will indicate what their specialties are, but if you are planning on building a long-term relationship with an agent, I would lay out what your long term goals are and make sure that your new agent has the experience to see them all through. For example, if you plan on starting in the North Side, but then moving to another part of Pittsburgh, be sure your agent is comfortable moving outside of the initial investment area. In Pittsburgh, this is particularly important because different areas of the city can be dramatically different in regard to investement return. Pittsburgh is unique in that it is broken up into many small neighborhoods, each with its own special qualities. You will want to make sure that your new agent is familiar with mutiple areas of the city and also is able to make suggestions to you about where to go next! I hope that helps and best of luck on your search!!

It's a very good idea to get personal referrals. If you have friends and family who are investing, it's likely they are working with somebody who is a good fit. Also, you can see detailed agent profiles on their local websites. So, when you see a listing in the area you like, look up that listing agent and see if you think their profile is a good fit for you. Ask investors in that area who they recommend. In most cases, you can find a house in the redeveloping neighborhoods like North Side, Lawrenceville, South Side that is going through some sort of renovation...ask the owner who they recommend!
Finally, take a look at who is out there using the technology and keeping on the pulse of the market in Pittsburgh.

I would recommend to ask around to your friends and family and ask for a personal reference. At least that way, there is someone you know that has a good relationship with a local realtor. Also, it is pretty easy sometimes to see which realtors have a strong local presence just by looking to see who is advertising and marketing properties. The realtors that have listings in your area, especially multiple listings, probably have a better grasp on the market there versus the realtor who has never done a transaction in the area. Sometimes, when I refer someone to a different city or state, I will go to http://www.remax.com and search for an agent which you could do the same. In there you will see pictures of the agents, their websites and their specialized markets that they serve. What you are doing is smart because I really believe that having an experieinced, market-savvy agent helping you is crucial to the ultimate success of your goals. Good luck to you !