Hey there! First off, congrats on selling your first house and having $150k to invest—that’s a huge milestone! It’s completely normal to feel a bit of analysis paralysis, especially when you’re in a position to make a move.
The choice between a short-term rental (like Airbnb), long-term rentals, or a duplex comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle. Short-term rentals often bring in higher income but can require more hands-on management (or a property manager). If you're living on the road, this could be a bit challenging unless you're comfortable working with a reliable property management team.
On the flip side, long-term rentals (whether it’s one or two properties) typically offer steadier, more passive income but might not generate as much monthly cash flow. A duplex is a great way to get your feet wet in multifamily investing, giving you two rental incomes under one roof, which can be a great balance between cash flow and passive income.
I’d also suggest looking at markets that offer solid rental returns. Indianapolis, where I work, has a strong build-to-rent duplex market that’s perfect for investors looking for a mix of solid cash flow and appreciation. I’d be happy to walk you through how investors like you are getting started here!
Feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat more about strategy and next steps!
Best,
Ryan Cheek