Condo vs House

[Keo Manivong]

I’m a newbie for both of this site and investing in real estate (going to be my first beside my house that we living in now).

I’m looking in buying condo or a house to rent it out. The thing about some of the condo is that HOA will not let me rent it out until I’ve live there for so many months or year. But now I’m thinking about buying a house in the area is not so great to drive by at night.
Should I try to buy condo in an okay area or the house in the area is not so great. I’m very handy around the house also from drywall to electrical work I’m good with it.

[Will Barnard]

Vikram, I see yoru side of the argument but have always felt that HOA's have too much influcne and control over a property you own and as an investor, that is never good. Also, the entire exterior is not covered by the HOA, as Steve stated, the AC is exterior and still on you, if the tenant causes damage to common grounds, the HOA will charge YOU. I think that the tradeoff of less exteriro expenses to HOA dues is not equal enough for me. That stated, it is just my opinion and preference. I have also seen many condos that were very tempting due to the price. The other HUGE downside is that when markets drop, condos drop more rapidly than do SFR's and that could hurt you.