Single Family vs Multifamily Investing

Compare single family and multifamily rental property investing. Financing, cash flow, management, scalability, and which is better for your goals.

Single Family
PROS
Easier financing (conventional loans)
Lower entry price
Larger buyer pool when selling
Simpler management
Better appreciation in many markets
CONS
One vacancy = 100% vacancy
Slower to scale
Lower cash flow per door
More transactions needed
Higher per-unit acquisition cost
Multifamily
PROS
Multiple income streams per property
Economies of scale on expenses
One loan covers multiple units
Commercial financing based on NOI
Faster portfolio growth
CONS
Higher down payment (25%+ typically)
More complex management
Smaller buyer pool for exit
Higher maintenance complexity
Commercial loans have shorter terms
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