Townhome near Prime Location or Single Family House in Suburban

[Sara Smith]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to BiggerPockets and am currently in the process of buying my first home. I would greatly appreciate your input on what you would do if you only had a one-shot to start out would it be better to buy a townhome near a prime location, such as anywhere near I-285 and major highways on I-85/75, or a house in areas like Canton, Snellville, Woodstock, Powder Springs, or Grayson further north of metro Atlanta. I am also looking from an investor standpoint and I am uncertain and cannot decide if I need to choose the location or living space. 

Should I go for creative financing as a first home buyer? If so do I go through an agent with this? 

I wish I can do a house near a prime location but I do not have the finance for that. What would you choose and why?

what potential does northern Atlanta have and how do you assess that?