Our goal is to get a home as soon as we can afford it, what would be the best choice and pros and cons.

If you can afford paying the bills, rehab costs for a BRRRR, and all the carrying costs associated with it then go for it. 

I would personally go the route of get as many properties as possible, but if the numbers don't make sense and you over leverage or can't afford to do your first BRRRR, then you're hosed.  

We saw very few move-outs as we were still the most affordable in our market.  

Excellent neighborhood, great schools, affordable.

If I can afford to donate, you can too.

Assuming you have a reserve and can afford things like vacancy ect.

I was looking for something with an affordable entry point that cash flowed.

If he balks at the costs, go over the fact he can still save the listing half plus any marketing costs of selling, and would help you afford the final purchase (and rehab if it needs work.) 

I'm located in Northern NJ, just outside of NYC where both property values and property taxes are ridiculous so in looking to acquire my 1st property was leaning toward a BRRRR House hack situation of ideally a 4-unit; however, SFR is slightly easier to find better deals (not much better just a bit more affordable) in this area; however, with COVID hitting the area HARD (Hudson/Bergen Counties); will the idea of living with strangers in a SFR still be viable or will this virus make the masses lean towards wanting their own space that much more?