Vacancy and First Property

[Christopher Gray]

I have been doing research for quite some time and I just would like some feedback from you all.

I am looking to purchase a $1.1 million apartment complex, 3 units, built in 2019, this would be my first home..ever as I am currently living with my dad. I have found this first time home buying program called NACA (which would cover closing cost, no down payment) and yes, Multifamily properties are eligible if the owner occupies one of the units. My question is for you experienced investors, Should I peruse this option? I worry about finding tenants and not being able to find any soon enough, the mortgage would be roughly $5,000 a month and im only making 42K per year ( Washington DC area) and would not be able to cover one month off vacancy.

The other option would be a single family town house for 230,000 that I would live in for a year ( first time home buying, get experience of owning a home under my belt) and then after a year, rent out that house, generate cashflow and look for another property. Im 24 years old with economics degree