Single Family Unit or Duplex for a First Time Investor?

[Victor Nguyen]

I am a first time real estate investor trying to build my real estate portfolio. I hav some excess cash that I would like to put in a rental property. My goal is to get a little bit of cash flow and appreciation. I understand that single family units take a while before they cash flow, and I'm perfectly fine with that if the investment is right. I also want to invest in something that will not give me too many headaches. For a first time real estate investor, which option would you prefer? Single Family Units or Multi-Family?

[Walter Jones]

I agree with @Taz Zettergren, but for some reason I keep stumbling on the duplexes I'm up to 6 now. I do like the suburbs though - better rent growth, appreciation potential, and quality of tenant.