Which type of real estate is better long distance?

[Blake Burnett]

I am currently in the military and stationed in Newport News, VA. I am looking at purchasing either a small single family home (which I would finance through a conventional loan or through a contact I have who offers seller financing) or I am looking at purchasing a duplex with and FHA loan to house hack for 12 months and rent it out immediately after.

The issue I'm having is if I go through with one of these scenarios, I will be moving back to the west coast in about two years.

I would have to then use a property management company on the property. I am curious to which property in general would make more sense if all the numbers were identical. Does one have more advantages over the other? I know multifamily tend to have a higher turnover rate which in turn would cost me more. Is there any other factors I should be considering?

Thank you