However they tend to require more like 20% or more depending on the lender. 

While it's completely up to you, I can tell you that most investors I've dealt with seem to start out using agents they're most familiar with and tend to have separate policies for each of their rentals. 

Now - couple things - 1) not a lawyer, no legal advice given 2) not a credit repair person, no advice given 3) I tend to tell it like it is, so be aware.  

First, townhomes tend to come with HOAs that can eat through your cashflow and can sometimes have really restrictive rules for real estate investors.

I ask because pretty much everything in Maine is considered rural to your average lender across the US, but in Maine they tend to look past that if it isn't as rural as it could be as they take into population of typical towns in the state. 

Families tend to be my main focus. 

While I can't provide insights into other states, I can tell you that KY tends to overall offer favorable expense ratios, especially regarding taxes and insurance.To navigate the current investing landscape, I recommend adopting a conservative approach when evaluating your investments.

I have been on this forum daily looking at ways to learn, although I seem to be interested and have learned a lot, I tend to be like 90% of this population where I say I want to be an investor and become financially independent, but who knows if my dreams will become true.

It also tends to leave a brown "ring around the tub" on the walls near the ceiling.

It can be easier to sell SFR down the road and they tend to appreciate faster.On the flip side, however, finding a good duplex and a good dependable tenant can significantly offset ownership costs.