CO is definitely moving in the wrong direction in my view with many policies.This is another reason why I am more hesitant on STRs than some of the big cheerleaders out there.STR laws change rapidly, and unpredictable politics can make or break a business.

Your hesitance to leverage equity for larger deals seems wise, particularly since your goal is stable, long-term investment rather than rapid expansion.

The area is rapidly changing/appreciating and will continue to do so. - You can absolutely manage 2 units yourself.

Of course, properties don't appreciate as rapidly in GA as they do in the West, but my goal was more for monthly income while tenants pay the properties off.  

You'll see the more appreciation here as the population is continuing to grow at a rapid pace and there are significant projects going on all over the city.

The highly effective path to accumulating wealth in rapid time is the same, unhyped, path it’s always been:- Radically cut back on expenses by getting roommates, living in the smallest bedroom in the basement or attic for a few years, and househacking or renting cheaply.- Bike or walk to work- pack lunch and learn to cook.- Read a new business book or equivalent every week for years.- Amass liquidity as rapidly as possible.- Use that liquidity to purchase real estate or take shots at small business entreneurship.To more directly answer your question though, I think that the “live in flip” is one area that seems appealing right now, in Denver.

In Grand Rapids, do investors have more luck renting multi units or single family homes?

However I thought I would look deeper so I looked up the appreciation of Cedar Rapids on NeighborhhodScout.  

With your seed money, starting with multiple units right off the bat could leverage your entry into real estate investment and rapidly scale your portfolio to help you replace your 9-5.

She was there with her little karaoke box microphone and went through the list quite rapidly.