Start small or go big? Where to start in multi-family investing.

[Jaredith Mize]

I have identified my "why" and set several mid to long-term goals, but I'm suffering from analysis paralysis. I want to build a portfolio of several hundred units of B to C class multi-family properties. I'm 34 years old and would like to retire by 40 (I'll still work every day, but I want to leave my day job). 

My wife is extremely risk averse and generally pessimistic regarding real estate. We are working on a deal to acquire a duplex and a small single-family house. That is on track to happen, regardless. The question is what to do next. 

My thought is to partner up with some more experienced investor friends to raise capital for a bigger deal. She feels more comfortable buying single-family properties, one at a time. In my mind, bigger deals would create economies of scale and make everything easier and more cost-effective. In her mind, bigger properties = bigger risk. 

Am I on the right track or am I being over-zealous?