It would seem clear that you're going to build equity much more rapidly with the 15 year note versus the 30, but if you use the same period for analysis, 30 years, both will have you ultimately owning the property outright.

We looked for a spot within easy flying (2 hours to Houston, versus 11 hours to Maui, relatives there). 

The analysis examined the inflow-outflow ratio, which is the number of new arrivals to an area versus the number of people who left.https://austin.culturemap.com/...

I’ve noticed the calculations for most north Jersey multifamily just don’t “pencil out” (4-6% cap rates) so you’re usually just paying a little lower rent for a property you own versus getting your apartment paid for 100% by the other 3 units.

I will not compare stock versus REI directly.

Happy Holidays everyone, I'm looking to purchase a multifamily in Sacramento, live in one of the units, and rent out the rest, and would like to know if any investors rent out their multifamily properties by bedroom versus by entire unit?

If you have an agent then I highly suggest you sit down with this agent and discuss all these issues and questions you have versus asking here.  

(long term versus short term capital gains).  

I am assuming you mean month-to-month lease versus term lease.

The duplex will be a larger investment for sure and I will have two tenants to deal with versus one, but twice the income...Please share your thoughts, good or bad...would love the