Small multifamilies are scarce. Should I go smaller, bigger, or stay the course?

[Elaine Raymond]

I’m a first time investor looking to househack with a small multifamily (duplex, triplex), but they are scarce and competitive in my area. I’m not interested in renting out a room in my primary residence for safety and privacy. Should I go smaller (e.g., house with a mother-in-law suite) or bigger (e.g., small apartment complex)? Frankly I haven’t considered going bigger until now because I’m intimidated by the idea.