Which would you do If you had 200K?

[Christian Clauson]

Hello BP!

I am asking this question so I can evaluate the responses and see if one strategy is more favorable than another. 

If you had 200K to invest in real estate, would you rather buy one property (an upper/middle class 3bd/2ba) and pay it off completely to maximize cash flow and be debt free? Or, put down payments on five properties? (assuming 200k would cover 20% down and all other fees for 5 properties in your area) Lets say the five properties were filled with tenants before the first mortgage payments were due. If the answer is obvious or I don't have enough information, I apologize, I am a newbie! Feel free to change up the scenario. 

[Ozzy Sirimsi]

I would just buy a multi-unit property.

Having 4-5 different properties could be a headache, also multiple closing costs etc..

Just buy one commercial unit, live in one, rent others, and even if you don't rent one of them at some point don't get stressed out.