got out of flipping to new construction in our market in columbus ohio. licensed general contractor. when interest rates got high single family existing went down by 30% new builds sold at a 6% increase that year which demonstrated the desire and premium that new construction commands. never looking back. total control, rinse and repeat. we can get permits in 28 days. we can buy land cash in 21 days. we can build in 120 days to 140 days and keep moving. super scalable and easy and no risk. we build the same 2-3 Floorplans 

I'm self-employed and did not know if my business was going to be shut down due to the virus.

Down the road, you can also use the 1031 exchange to defer taxes as you go from property to property, as long as they are like for like.I hope that helps get the ideas flowing....

You are correct, buying a four plex is tricky here putting 3.5% down.

15% down with no STR experience - you're going to have to pay a price for that.

They are more useful IMO for getting chunks of equity right off the bat thru value add and then either realizing that equity by flipping it and using for a down payment on something bigger or hold a couple years and then sell at that point to do that then. 

I would like to start investing in real estate once I get situated down there.

I just wanted to give you guys a heads up.

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.

Thanks for the heads up, I’ll call the mortgage companies.