Buy investment units or home for 100k out of pocket 2 avoid rent

[Amber Bo]

Hi Bigger Pockets People! I have never posted on this or any site with a question, so please have patience for a first timer. I have watched a bunch of the BP podcasts and have started using the analysis tool. I have approx 100k to invest. I'm looking into purchasing 4 quadraplexes in New Mexico at approx 135k each. That would be an approx total of 100k out of pocket. Each quadraplex would cash flow about 500/month for a total with all 16 units at 2k/month. So for 100k out of pocket, I would flow 2k/month and it would take about 4 years to recoup my cash investment. Right now I'm renting a place at about 2k/month. I have been preaprroved for a 650k loan, but will likely not get approved again when I file my taxes again in March. Is it smarter to buy a 500-600k house in Dana Point, CA where I live so that the 2k in rent isn't going toward nothing, or is it better to buy the 4 4-plexs to get 2k/month coming in and continue to rent? Both scenarios for comparison sake, would be about 100k out of pocket, for either the 4 down payments or the 1 down payment on the house. I don't know if its better to use my larger purchasing power this year to buy a fixer in Dana, stop paying rent and then slowly acquire the New Mexico rentals or get started now on New Mexico and continue renting. REALLY appreciate the help!