Larger down payment or two properties?

[Shelly Shanks]

Hello,

I am brand new to this forum as well as real estate. My husband and I would like to purchase a new home in two years to get our kids in a better school district. Initially we planned to put 20% down to avoid pmi. I've been thinking maybe it would be better to put less down so we could have money left over to also purchase an investment property or we've also considered purchasing a duplex and renting one side out. We are trying to decide what is the best way to go about getting into real estate that makes sense for us. Any suggestions would be appreciated.