I've got a couple of scenarios worked out in my head to help guide which choice to make under different contingencies.

Is very popular thing that everyone thinks is a guarantee here, but it's not for a lot of people.

Finding the right fit is very hard, so definitely shop around online first, then narrow down your choices and interview them.

In no particular order I have listed some of the most popular markets for out of state investorsCincinnati, OhioDayton, OhioToledo, OhioYoungstown, OhioCincinnati, OhioMemphis, TennesseeSaint Louis, MissouriIndianapolis, IndianaDetroit, MichiganErie, PennsylvaniaLouisville, KentuckyMilwaukee, WisconsinJackson, MississippiEach of these markets is popular with turnkey investors because of the low barrier to entry, high rental demand & high rent to price ratio.

Given the choice, buying a duplex (assuming you mean both sides) is a better option for a few reasons. 

I would try to find a way to do some sort of desk and TV in each room so that they have the choice to work in their room or work in a communal space.

@Abby Austin I’m assuming you were looking in the central core where these “condo” homes have become popular.

But that was more by necessity than choice.

@Koosha Sharifi, I'm sure that's a very popular strategy here.

@Justin StetsonA very popular progression is for people to start with SFH investing and then eventually switch to MFH (from smaller to larger ones).