For the mixed-use building idea, you’re right to be cautious about vacancies as a remote investor.

To continue with the 8-unit example, you again end up spending many multiples of these costs to build a comparable portfolio of single family properties.Another disadvantage of single family properties is that there is only one tenant per building and if they stop paying or if there is a vacancy, the entire cost of that property is on you and your wallet until you can fill that vacancy and get the rent coming in again.

In the event of vacancy, they will work to market your property for the next tenant. 

Nothing to get crazy about but no need to deal with tenants, property taxes, repairs, vacancies, etc. just sit back and collect.

Stainless steel appliances, cleaning service every other week and I am johnny on the spot with repairs.As a result my vacancies are not that bad even with a model designed to be somewhat transitory. 

An experienced property manager should minimize vacancy, increase income, and have connections with contractors and other professionals to manage your property well to maximize your return on investment.To Your Success!

I am NET cash flowing just over 1k (includes maintenance, repairs, cap-ex, vacancies, utilities), which is pretty good considering this is in SoCal.

If the rent payment covers your mortgage and you have a good tenant, why would you get rid of them to take on the expense of unit turnover, because you will have to do one, and the 5% vacancy loss just to increase your rent $150 per month?

More doors means less vacancies and it might motivate you to save up and buy a new SFR when you are ready to settle down.

I'm in the metroplex/dfw so definitely good and virtually no vacancies as far as when they're turned That’s good that’s good