I am a total Newbie, so Id like to preface this by telling you to take my opinions with a grain of salt.1.)

Presently looking to expand my rental portfolio and I am looking to make connections with other members in the mid-western U.S. including Oklahoma City, Salt Lake, Boise and Omaha.

personally, I wouldn't worry about it, but take that with a grain of salt because I tend to be a bit fearless.

Hi, I have been looking at Salt Lake City and the Lehi markets for awhile now, and I wanted to get some insighter perspectives on whether investing in a townhome is a good investment or would a duplex be a better investment in these areas?

I'm a realtor in Salt Lake City.

You really have to take per square foot numbers with a grain of salt as that figure represents heated square feet generally and you can have a lot of additional non finished space as well as varying garage sizes.  

Friends and family have moved to: Reno, Boise & Salt Lake City.

Shhhhhhhhh A little secrete from an old timer.........From a bag of water conditioner salt rock place some on top of the soil or within a trench and back fill with earth or pack salt rock granules into 1/2 inch round holes drilled 6" apart through concrete 4" away from foundation footings along area of noted termites entering structure, plug drilled holes afterwords.

My advice might be a bit controversial, so take it with a grain of salt...Just be true to yourself.When I got into the business, I felt pressured to do the typical realtor activities that I personally hated, IE cold calling, door knocking, begging for referrals, pestering family and friends with scripts.Because I hated being a pest, my motivation to keep on was draining. 

I am a practicing structural engineer in the Salt Lake City area.