All Forum Posts by: Max Uyeda

@Max Uyeda, Hey Max!

You're asking all the right questions, and you're off to a great start by educating yourself early. Given your goals, experience, and budget, starting with SFRs is a strong move. Here's why:

Why SFR is Ideal for You:
Easier to Manage Remotely – Especially with a solid PM team.
Better Tenant Quality – SFRs attract longer-term, more stable tenants.
More Liquid & Flexible – Easier resale or refinance options than multi units.
Scalable with Less Risk – With $400K–$600K, you could buy 3–4 quality SFRs in stable markets and diversify across locations.

Why Multiunits May Be Better Later:
More complex management and maintenance.
Higher learning curve and tougher financing (especially 5+ units).
Less flexibility on exit or refinancing.

My suggestion would be to start with 2–3 turnkey SFRs in Class B/B+ areas with strong appreciation and low maintenance in markets like Memphis, Dallas suburbs, Birmingham, Cleveland or Ocala, FL.

Once seasoned, refi and consider a multiunit if still aligned with your goals.

You're in a great spot to start. Build confidence with SFRs, then scale smart. Let me know if you want to chat more about any specific markets etc. Always here to share!

Best of luck!

This is a great question and one that comes up a lot, Max! especially for folks investing out of state. Both SFR and small multifamily can work, and honestly, it depends on your goals and risk tolerance.

SFRs are usually easier to manage remotely, especially if you're going turnkey or using a solid PM. They also give you some flexibility to diversify across markets. But small multis can cash flow better and build scale faster, just might come with more moving parts upfront.

With $400–600k to work with, you’ve got options. Some investors do well buying a few SFRs and then refinancing into more units down the road once they get comfortable. Others go straight into a 4-plex if the right deal shows up.

REI Nation is a good starting point if you're looking for a more passive approach. But sometimes a more hands-on route in a cash flow market can stretch your dollars further. Either way, building a strong local team is key. Happy to keep the conversation going!

You have more than enough cash to get going.

I recently held a real estate class in Tennessee.  We had a virtual guest, Jason from Hawaii, talk about his success buying in Tennessee. I found he has been interviewed on a podcast.  Take a listen.

https://lifestylesunlimited.com/tell-del-solving-the-income-...

@Max Uyeda

I'm not going to address your SF vs. MF question because I want to hit on something else that is always a concern of mine when I read a post like yours.  I think a lot of this comes down to expectations.  If you buy a property - any property, a SF or a duplex or a 6 unit - in a state you've never been to, and turn it over to people you don't know, whether that's through a large operator or just through a direct purchase, you are going to be entirely reliant on them.

We just see posts on the forums over and over and over from folks in HCOL areas like yourself who buy in lower cost areas, get absolutely crushed by a rough turnover or a big capex item in the first couple years, decide that their expectations weren't met and/or that their team let them down, and give up in despair.  Is that you?  Or are you willing to be patient and hold for 5, 7, 10, 25 years?  You are not going to generate a return initially - none, zip, not any.  It costs money to transact and no matter where you buy - TN, OH, HI - the first several YEARS are going to be spent recouping those early purchase, stabilization, and rent-out costs.  So if you want a return in month 1 or year 1, put your money in a savings account.

Avoid Revolution Properties LLC at all costs

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