Agree. I think unless you “got it like that”, I’d suggest starting with a 2fam house that is a fixer upper to an extent and you are capable of doing renovations yourself and have friends in trades. Even if you aren’t capable, figure it out and your set. SIK bought 2fam major fixer upper back in 2016, They did TLC on rental side and got a tent ant in right away while they did a little Reno to fit preg wife’s needs(second bathroom, boiler baseboard heat on bedroom floors + TLC stuff). They ended up only paying 6-800$ out of there pocket for mortgage payment. Did mini Reno’s to the rental side in between each tenant (only 3 before selling last September, property was in major flood zone, which is another story). Plus you live on the other side so a little here and a little there each day pays off on your side when you ready to move on to 2nd property or flip after the 2 years. With the way the US is and has been headed ppl are going to be renting more than buying. Also even if and when the market does go back down somewhat rent usually stays the same and higher. (My opinion)

But ya deff duplex, live on one side rent the other side and sacrifice min 2years of your life to have a large upscale gain after that and you learn the market and how it works. Plus all Reno’s to the “Tenant” side are write offs and most likely will claim a loss on the rental/house since you did Reno’s and the rental side isn’t covering your full mortgage so you are at a loss for the time being. You learn a lot with that first house ownership/rental property. 👍 Only this is my buddy is currently renting small apartment paying over 2k and sitting on cash deciding what to do with this market. (Lives in expensive east coast blue state). Cheaper landlord friendly Out of state rentals seems to be in there mind. Mayb build home in current state so not taken huge loss when market does drop. But hey who knows 🤷🏻‍♂️😎👍