1st time landlord debating between 2 properties. Risk v Reward

[Tim Beadle]

I have two multifamily properties that I am looking at. One is more conservative and the other is more risky, but with better reward. I am a first time homeowner and landlord and want to make sure that I am well educated. The details of each property are below. I like the Russell Property, but I am not sure if it is too risky or if I should jump on it. Any advice would be great! I have funds to cover down payments and inspection fees for both houses. 

Property#1 (Conservative) $99,000

1988 sq ft Duplex in Tower Grove Heights St. Louis. 

Unit #1: 1b/1b 

Rent: $600 monthly plus utilities

Condition: Semi updated, move in ready

Upgrades required: New vanity, pocket door put back on track, new dishwasher

Unit #2: 2b/ 1b

Rent: Owner Occupied, rent 1 bedroom: $300-400/ monthly

Condition: Upgraded

No upgrades required, move in ready

Property Overall: House is in good condition. Dry basement, working plumbing & electrical, parking in rear, move in ready

Property #2 (Risky) $129,000

2532 sq ft Duplex in Soulard St. Louis

Unit #1: 2b/ 1b

Rent: $700-800/ monthly

Condition: Fair

Upgrades: Paint every room, update bathroom fixtures, Fix kitchen floor (bubbling laminate), replace ceiling fans, A/C unit needed (but already ducted)

Unit #2: 3b/1b & office

Rent: Owner Occupied & rent 2 bedrooms @ $400/ monthly per room

Condition: Fair

Upgrades: Paint rooms, Replace carpet in three rooms, chair rail &baseboard needed in kitchen, 

**This unit runs on radiant heat, no A/C ducts**

Property Overall: Needs Roof work, wall in detached garage to be replaced, Old radiant heat in 2nd unit is concerning, basement is dry, some chipping paint in 2nd unit, better location than Prop #1, No off street parking, 

[Bob Hines]

If you are unsure about what to buy, looking in that price range and wanting to live in the unit, why don't you look at a duplex west of Kingshighway?  That's the only part of town I would buy a duplex for $100k+ as an investment.  Plenty of 4 families you can buy for that price or lower in South City.  Lots of duplexes that you can get similar rents for less than $100k too.  

Does the Soulard property have any attic space?  I was able to run flexible duct in a small attic space in one of my duplexes to get forced air heat and central air installed.  Furnace is electric and placed in the attic.   Just run the power and AC line to be good to go.