I bought a 2 family in 2014 for $190k. Renter upstairs paid half the mortgage, so I was able to save a lot more. Had our first kid there. Sold for $250k in 2018 to buy a much bigger, more permanent house. The $60k we made on the sale went a long way towards our down payment.

That house sold again for $400k last year. If you can find an affordable multi-family in good shape, I would definitely recommend it.