Multifamily vs single family

[Tom Apicella]

I have looked extensively about multifamily rentals and single family rentals.  I have read a lot of books on both of these strategies. I want to know from actual investors what thoughts are about building a multi-family portfolio vs single family.  (by multifamily I mean 2-4 units).  IS one better than the other?  

I should state that we are looking to buy properties with existing cash flow to fold into our current business. 

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration of this post. 

[Jacob Sampson]

I doubt anyone could say 1 is absolutely better than the other.  1 option may be better for a particular location, period of time, or particular investor. 

For example, I only have duplexes and SFHs.  Primarily because I have never had the cash to purchase larger but also, I try to have multiple ways of getting out of a bad deal.  I figure while rents are good I can rent my SFHs out.  If the rental market goes south I have the option of selling my home to a primary resident buyer.  A larger multi family will not have near the number of buyers and if you are selling because the rental market is headed south then that will lower the value of you multi-family.