The cool guy trend seems to be towards Multi-Family, but I do not think it's the best option.MF:1) It's getting played out. 

All are higher risk and lower cash flow than investing in a multi unit.

If we had a small family then we may have purchased a small multi and lived in one unit and rented out the others.

But with this kind of negative cash flow, you are betting that appreciation is growing more rapidly than the interest you're paying--just to beat putting $900/mo in a savings account.On top of that, you're still in the window where you call sell this tax free using the primary residence exemption.Using the $80K on a $350-400K multi or two $200K homes on a 30 year fixed will provide the same appreciation while having someone but you pay off the mortgage.

Has anyone ever taken the route of buying land and having a duplex built? I was wondering if anyone had any success. My thoughts are brand new should give a little piece of mind on any Cap Ex. Can always expect minor...

Multi unit is probably the way to go there.

I own and self-manage 9 small multi family properties (22 units total) that are very stable.  

Bar none, the best commercial financing on multi's is Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae small balance loans. 1 - 6 million loan amounts.

I am going to re-start building a multi family portfolio with properties in MA and FL.

It tends to be the large multi national banks.Some folks here in London like Transfer Wise to send money more cheaply than banks.