SFH versus duplex

[Jennifer MacDonald]

I am a new investor, wanting to get into my first property. I have done a TON of research about how to be a real estate investor and have been actively looking at properties for the last few months. I keep coming back to the same dilemma............. cash flow and ROI. I want those numbers to be rock solid and will not budge about it at all. That being said I found a duplex that would produce just that-cash flow and great ROI in $$$/percentage. The realtor I am working with feels pretty strongly that if I am not going to rent one side and live in the other side myself that is becomes a dicey investment. I absolutely am not going to live in the other side of the duplex. I am 47 yo, work full time, and have an elementary aged child that I don't want to pull from her current school.

I am looking for thoughts/advice from those that have invested in a duplexes and possibly did not ever live in one side of the unit. I am not against SFH, however the duplexes I have seen produce better ROI at this point (that is renting both sides, not me living in one side and renting the other).

Appreciate any input!