Townhome as first investment property?

[Chad Simmons]

Hello everyone at BP! My name is Chad Simmons and and I’m a new investor in the Orlando area. My girlfriend and I are looking at townhomes as our first investment property. Rent by room for a few years then move out and rent to a family is the plan.

Townhomes are unique because they offer lower price points that are in my budget. They are also usually move in ready and up to date. However, the dreaded uncertainty of HOA fees and their volatile nature in the market scares me a bit.

If the numbers appear to work, are townhomes a good starting investment property? Or should I stick to a SFH ?

Thanks for the advice in advance!