My first RE purchase...opinions?

[Mike Rubino]

Im fairly new to these forums and very new to the world of real estate. I am 25 years old and currently saving for my first real estate purchase.

My question is, which do you see as a better way to get stated in investing?

Option 1: Buy a 3-4 unit building, live in 1 unit, rent the other 2 or 3.

This option would mean investing with my father who is also interested in investing. The costs would be split 50/50. and he would be, more or less the "silent partner" leaving the property managment to me ( which I am perfectly ok with).

Option 2: Buy a single Family home for my first purchase, forget renting any properties, and forget investing with dad, for the time being.

I currently saving and will be looking to invest around 30K at the time of down payment (60K for downpayment if I go in on the rentals with my dad. 30 from him and 30 from me.)

Any thoughts?

and by the way if I do decide on option 1, is it likely I will I need a 20% down payment on the property becaue I will be renting some of the units?

Thanks in advance.

//Mike