I'll look into some multi-family around the area.

For either SFH or Multi-family I would set a floor on population at like 25,000+ so you don't run into what you did.

i'm in the process of exchanging out of an existing property, and into a large multi-family value-add syndication through a TIC structure. the syndication team is looking to refi their acquisition loan approximately 2 years after the acquisition to return investor capital. the business strategy calls for a sale in year 5. any one out there able to opine as to whether the cash-out refi would fall under the 'step transaction doctrine,' and thus be a taxable transaction for me?

I have a coworker (remote ) and relative who lives in Columbus  advising that the multi unit property market is much better than where I am and  after doing some research, I actually observed some affordable duplexes or more units.

If you can find it, the best first investment would be a residential multi 4 unit where you live in one of the units and rent out the other three. 

As far as my goals I'm interested in buy and hold rental investments both single family and multi-units. 

However, also keep in mind most renters in multi family understand the first floor of a multi story is noisy but they are free to stomp themselves and not worry.

I would buy a multi and live in one unit or rent a separate apartment to live in.

Hello friends,I am planning to buy a multi-family (4 to 24 units) in Boston metro/Lexington (other surrounding areas) Massachusetts for buy and hold.

I know @Jim Murray has helped buyers from California buy multis in RI before - I'd suggest sending him a PM.