should I use money towards down payment w/mortgage or buy cheap?

[David Finley]

Hello all, I'm new to real estate investing and would like to get my feet wet. If I'm looking to invest 100-200k in real estate, should I buy a home below market and try to flip? Or put that money towards a bigger(400-500k) rental unit with a mortgage that pays itself off and gives me a steady income/salary? I was thinking of buying a couple apartment buildings/ duplexes and down the line once I build some equity getting a HELOC or a cash out refi and buying more property. Oh and by the way I'm in the capital region of NY. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!