Buying SFH or Duplex in the JBLM area (Seattle/Tacoma)

[David Pierce]

Hello all,

I am a fairly new real estate investor (in the process of closing on my first Triplex with my brother up in Wasilla, Alaska).  But my question relates to an upcoming move and decision.  I am in the military and will be moving to the Ft.Lewis area (Tacoma, Roy, Puyallup, Bonney Lake, Lakewood) and have myself in quite a pickle.  As a new investor, all my wife and I can think about is the best investment options for that area.  We have made contact with a man (who seems to be a good reference for home purchases in the area - Phil Sharpe)....  He says that single family homes are a better investment in the area due to a good market and forecast for appreciation (given the downward movement of business out of Seattle south).  I'm not seasoned enough yet to know whether he is right or wrong, but have always thought a multifamily home would be a better fit.  The problem is, the duplexes in/around Ft. Lewis aren't really big enough to have my family of four living in....We will likely be in the house/area for 3 years before moving somewhere else.   So here are my questions for anyone that is a seasoned investor in the area:

1). What is the best investment south of Seattle (SFH, MFH)? And can you justify why you think so?

2). What is the market doing right now as far as real estate?  How do you find the best deals in the area? 

3). Does anyone recommend a really good realtor in the area?  I have thus far gone off of Google, which doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

4). I would also like to meet some more seasoned investors once I arrive, so any recommendations for mentors or group meet ups in the area would be very helpful. 

5). What areas would be more/less desirable for an investment property in the area?  Which areas around Ft. Lewis will continue to be profitable even if something were to happen to the base in the future (downsizing, etc.)? 

I am an open book at this point and welcome ANY suggestions or input into my decision making process.  I am extremely happy I found this website and hope to network with lots of other passionate investors.

Thanks for your time!

David