Duplex or Single-family home?

[Adam Baker]

I am looking to buy my first home with my girlfriend and we want it to be a positive first step into real estate investment. We have little cash on hand and thus cannot afford to buy an expensive property (in Winnipeg, Manitoba). Is it a better idea to buy a starter home and try to "live-in-flip" it or should we max out our finances to buy a duplex and live in one side while saving up for a second down payment to buy a house for us to live in? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Renting is definitely not an option anymore...