The better and stronger comps comes from MLS which has properties that have already been rented to make your final decision. 

Ive been weighing both sides and I might end up doing a mixture of both, paying off about have of my debt and then begin to invest hence it will allow me to have slightly stronger credit.

We just presume that everyone will create stronger numbers to sell, but will never report those same numbers to voluntarily pay more in taxes.

But if you qualify it's a much better loan product than the FHA, I used it to start out in my 3 unit.  5% down on 2-4 unit, conventional (stronger) offer and lower PMI that falls off automatically after 10 years instead of refinancing out with the FHA. 

If you would like, post all the numbers I will analyze the purchase and give my opinion regarding whether or not it will make you financially stronger in the future or will be a burden.

So when you’re talking about those markets, I do think SFH/condos/2-4’s have distinct advantages over MF: better loans (low rate 30 year fixed/no need to refi in 5-7-10 years); much stronger appreciation; usually top notch  tenants who are easier to deal with.)  

You could use a short term lender, hard money lender, a friend, or some savings you may have to just buy it cash (makes for a stronger offer, too), then refi after it is repaired and rented.  

It is a low income area that seems to be in transition but is still stronger suited for a rental as opposed to a flip in my opinion.

While you don't need to hold each investment in it's own liability limiting company, but it is a much stronger way to protect yourself.

It just so happens the buy/rehab crowd is much stronger on BP.