Single apartment unit or duplex for first deal

[Armando Chapa]

I’m looking to get my first deal done, what would you guys recommend for get my feet wet In the game ?

[Stephanie Trevizo]

Hi @Armando Chapa , I would suggest something similar to @Aaron Edmondson . Start with a multi-family you could live in. You will most likely get better financing with little down. Since you will be earning income from the other half of the duplex, it will reduce your living expenses to save for your next property or leverage this one since it is your primary residence. You will also be close by if you choose to manage it yourself. 

Personally, I would try to buy a 4-unit and live in one unit. You could get an FHA loan up to 4 units, competition may be a little higher depending on your area, but it is an option. You would have more tenants to deal with, but your risk of losing income is divided between the 3 tenants. i.e. having 1 tenant move out of a 4-plex and losing 1/3 of your income is less painful than having a tenant move out of a duplex you live in and losing all of your income while it is vacant.