Duplex or condo?

[Joseph Bruckman]

I am very interested in investing in real estate, but I'm not quit sure what to start investing in. I'm very interested in buying a duplex and living in one space and renting out the other. But a conversation with one of my friends also had me interested in buying a condo. But I've read a lot of negative things about condos and I'm not quit sure I like the idea of not being fully in charge of the property. I know it all comes down to if the numbers add up but I'm just looking for some different opinions and input from some pros with experience from both. 

[Kyle Penland]

My personal experience with a condo HOA is that my monthly fees were 115. Then some crazy person wanted the units exterior to be painted and new roofs. Boom! Overnight, my HOA fees went to 500 for 4 months alternating. For me then, that broke the bank! That was almost 10 years ago, I made 10 bucks an hour and it made such an impression, if I hear the word HOA I run. Plus you won't make money right away from a condo. A duplex you may live almost mortgage free! Can't beat that!