New to MultiFamily Stage

[Siby Varghese]

Wanted to get some opinion from someone who has done Passive investing vs Active 4-Plex investing in a multifamily Unit.

Would any of the experienced investors recommend starting off with a 4-plex or doing a Passive investment with a Syndicate ?

I was looking in the Killeen Area for $200K 4 flex and hiring a property manager at least for the first year since I am located in Dallas (about 3 hr drive)

[Pete Harper]

Welcome to Real Estate Investing!  
I think the answer to your question has a lot to do with your long term goals and available time. Passive investment is just that, passive. If you have a full time career and family your time might be better spent focusing there. If you have the time and energy then active management might be best for you. If you go the active management route I would suggest starting with a PM for the first year or so. For a 8-10% fee the PM will manage your property. You can shadow them for a year to learn the ropes; screen tenants, lease agreements, collecting rent, and maintenance. After a year if you feel you can handle things remotely then by all means manage yourself. 
Specific to Killeen, pay close attention to neighborhoods. Even a block or two can make a huge difference. Use Trulia crime maps as a rough screen. Try to drive through the area at different times both day and night. Pay attention to abandoned properties and business closings. We saw a Carl’s Jr. going out of business in N Killeen. If a fast food joint is pulling out of an area I see that as a huge red flag. Also read the local paper. There was a recent article on North Killeen becoming a food desert. There is good reason why North Killeen properties are cheap. Harker Heights and South Killeen are better. 

Good luck, Pete