Single Family vs. Multi Family

[Ryan Urban]

What an excellent site. I've seen the infomercials, and I've read some books, and the collection of real-life experiences I'm reading about here has much more value for me.

I'm just getting started, and I'm stuck between single family and multi family. Right now I'm thinking I'll go with buy and hold, whichever type of housing I choose.

From what I've seen, about half of investors start with single family and half have started with duplexes or fourplexes. My concern is that, when you buy a single family home, you're usually going to be starting off with no tenants and the risk of going months before you find one. At least with a fourplex, one vacancy is only one-fourth of the risk.

Those who prefer single family cite better appreciation vs. the cash flow of multi family. So I'm stuck!

Your thoughts?