Let’s break down the pros and cons of each when compared side by side:CondoPros:Lower barrier to entry: typically requires a smaller down payment and results in lower monthly mortgage payments.Minimal overhead: utilities like water, trash, and landscaping are often included in HOA dues.No landlord responsibilities: you won’t need to manage tenants or deal with non-payment issues.Cons:HOA management can sometimes be unpredictable or problematic.Long-term rental income growth is generally weaker compared to a duplex, especially if your goal is to hold and rent the property over time.DuplexPros:Rental income from one unit helps offset your mortgage; rental rates are likely to increase over time, lowering your net monthly cost.Higher purchase price can translate into greater long-term appreciation.No HOA or associated fees.Cons:Higher upfront costs: larger down payment and closing expenses.Being a landlord involves active management — and it’s not always fun or easy.Which asset would I choose?

Typically, buying property is a good way to start growing your portfolio, but it is difficult to determine when is the best time to start investing based on the unpredictability or volatility of the market, economy, and global events.

With things as unpredictable in Florida right now (insurance, HOAs, market conditions( I'd focus on where things are a bit more stable 

The rate volatility is definitely contributing to the the ultimate underlying thesis in today's world-- unpredictability. 

And the very nature of a Blackswan is it's completely unseen, unknown and unpredictable.

A growing number of homeowners nationwide are being dropped by insurance companies as firms and regulators struggle to deal with the unpredictable and costly risks of climate disasters.Nonrenewal notices surged by nearly 30 percent from 2018 to 2022 to more than 620,000 a year, according to a Treasury report released Thursday that examined 246 million policies nationwide.

Thankfully, we shopped around early enough and found another provider for $3,500.Another investor I know recently saved $10,000 on a group of rentals in Florida simply by starting their insurance hunt early.This shouldn't be news to anyone active on BiggerPockets or in real estate generally—insurance is becoming more unpredictable and expensive.

Louis), it often comes with a lot of moving parts-unpredictable appraisals, higher rehab risks, and delayed refi timelines, especially in areas like Highland Park.If your main goal is cash flow with fewer headaches, you might want to consider turnkey properties instead-especially in Midwest and Southeast markets.

I’ve been seeing a lot of concern in the investor space lately about aggressive rate increases at renewal and the unpredictability of insurance quotes.

Entitlement timelines in Southern California are unpredictable, especially with leased land.