It is paramount to understand how to value these different types of assets, both property or shares.

For families with children in school, this is often paramount.  

This means location (buying where jobs are, areas of gentrification, increased population)  is paramount when buying a property in my eyes. 

The records you keep and what you give your tax preparer to work with are paramount.

My fiance, @Jeff Shumway and I are both lenders in the Tampa Bay area for Paramount Residential Mortgage Group. 

Most importantly, this is why background and credit checks are paramount on the front end.

Makes getting in and out quickly paramount. 

Thus the marketing plan is paramount when you interview people you are entrusting to manager your asset for you.

Of course disclosure to the seller is of paramount importance here up front.

If that is is the path you want to pursue, the small multi may be the way to go - if you can find well cash-flowing property in your neck of the woods as I would highly advise that you stay local if buying small multi.If  passivity is paramount to you, then taking part in a larger acquisition such as a syndicated purchase of apartment community or strip-mall may be the better option.