Small multi Family in Dc vs Baltimore

[Martins Francis]

Hi BP family,

This is my first post on BP, so please bear with me if am not clear enough but I do my best.

I am looking to buy my first property and I want to do right as much as possible but I am torn between buying 4 unit in Baltimore or a duplex/SF in dc. I work in DC but live in Bethesda,MD which is basically 20mins away from DC. My maximum budget is $650k. After speaking with an agent and explaining my house hacking strategy to him he explained that Baltimore will be the best option for my price range if I want to get a 4-unit where I can live in one and rent out the 3. In DC I wouldn't be able to get good properties in good locations for that price except I want to settle for a duplex or a large SF which would not result in cashflow. I am not opposed to Baltimore but I have heard lot of unexciting stuff about that market and would not want to experiment.

As such I would appreciate suggestions/counsel/advice from bp experts who are familiar with both markets and help guide me.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!!

Thanks.