First investment property - Single family vs. Multi family

[Tyler Brown]

I've been researching purchasing my first rental property in some low property values/low tax blue collar areas for a while now.  

One of the main things I'm trying to decide is if I should go for a SFH, or a 2-4 unit duplex/triplex/quad. I'm looking to maximize monthly cashflow, rather than counting on any appreciation.

My price point is in the $50k-$100k range.  There is no shortage of houses, both single and multi family, for this price, in need of minimal work, in the areas I'm looking at.  I'll be using a property management company, as well.

Off the top of my head, the most obvious reason to choose multi is the greater rental income. While a SFH may rent for, say, $1,000, each side of a duplex may go for $700. An extra $400 a month is nothing to scoff at.

Also with a multi, if one of your tenants move out, you've only lost half of your income, as opposed to all of it.

That being said, a SFH seems like it would potentially attract a little higher quality tenants. Also, I imagine that there is less turnover in tenants with a SFH vs. a duplex.

Also, with a SFH, the tenants are responsible for all of the utilities, while some MFHs have separate utilities, but many do not.

I'd like to any of your thoughts about a SFH vs MFH for a first time buyer, and if there's any big pro or con that I've overlooked, thanks!