help me get started, please!

[Thai Tang]

I've been doing a lot of research and looking at a whole bunch of potential property I want to buy but I am at a cross roads about what kind of property I should buy for my first investment property.

I am pre-qualified for a loan for $150k with 25% down and still have additional capitol for minor repairs. I've been thinking about the potential month to month income that comes with duplexes because I can buy a duplex for the price of a single family home and I will have two rental incomes of $700-$900/month for each section of the duplex, BUT if I buy a single family home I can rent it out for $1000-$1200/month and when the real estate market gets better I can sell the house and get a lump sum of additional capital for investments.

I guess my main question is which is a better route for my first investment property, duplexes for the 2 for 1 rent income or single family homes because they will be easier to sell when the time comes?

Thanks for your time,
Thai Tang

[Michael Rossi]

Single family houses are better as a first investment for several reasons. As you said, they're easier to sell; they generally appreciate better; and the tenants are better. I would start with a few SFHs and if you do well, move on to duplexes and larger multis later.

Good Luck,

Mike