Russia has proven to be extremely vulnerable to falling oil prices. 

If its on his name he will still have payments to worry about, if I pay it for him he would be vulnerable and if I (the option buyer) have it swapped on my name that would alert the bank to foreclosure because of the clause against lease options...

Go for a four-plex, hand's down.Here's why:With interest rates at an all time low, you want to use the favorable owner-occupant loan terms to lock in a fixed rate mortgage on the biggest asset you can affordAs far as appreciation, there is not much difference between 4-plexes and duplexesYou will get the most experience landlordingMost loans (including FHA) will allow you to use income from the property toward your debt-to-income ratio, further increasing your purchasing power if necessary.You will spread risk among a greater number of units, so you will always have income even during vacanciesMulti-units are less vulnerable to the vagaries of the market and won't be as volatile in down markets (they also don't appreciate like single family's) The problems with the other options:Duplexes are also a great start, but you can afford more.  

If not done properly, any lawsuit will leave you vulnerable by simply "piercing the veil" - proving you are truly the LLC and, ultimately, liable.

The effect of allowing yourself to become vulnerable with other people and understand that we are all going through some sort of crap in our lives, and that there is ridiculous power of going through it together was a huge eye opener!

As you mention, this will also leave you vulnerable if things go south.I would recommend you talk to the owners.

Landlords are vulnerable at this time. 

I feel so sick and vulnerable right now. 

Those aren't the greatest places for appreciation.I think there may some downward pressure on neighborhood pricing dependent on the tenants (ie the building targets ex-felons) since not the tenants, but usually their friends that can't afford an apt usually show up.If its more vulnerable population (eg elderly and/or single-mothers), usually not much of an affect.

@Andrew Bordwell I think vulnerability is a super underrated trait that many new RE investors lack.