In general, from a business standpoint, the townhomes would be easier probably, but if you just have a passion for the idea of keeping the streetfront activated with a couple of shops, and it makes you happy without putting you in the hole, then do it.

Depending on your personal finances, shopping for a triplex or quadplex may require the existing market rents to pass a self sufficiency test, to ensure that you will be able to pay the note.

We lease a small commercial space to a non-profit to use for their thrift shop.

Shop around to find the best deals on things like nice sheets, pillow/bed covers, linens and such.

That's why I am building a hybrid hotel/apartment community with automated entry, exit, and communication, on site amenities (pool, gym, laundry, outdoor courtyard with kitchen), located in the shopping and restaurant areas, and adjacant to major transportation corridors. 

But our hospitality group uses Wayfair and for returns, plus keeping things simple, a quick one stop shop works the best. 

What do you think are the best neighborhoods (low crime, good schools, able paying tenants, close to transportation, shops, restaurants, etc.) and which areas you would stay away from ? 

Would be happy to connect sometime and talk shop!

I am currently looking at a property 1 in an area I'm sort of familiar with. property is  going for 130K 4bed/2baths and surrounding property are valued at around 100-222k it is off a mainstreet thats 5 mins away from the highway and shopping stores.

Then at least you will  know what the market price is before you go shopping.