Dilemma: New Asset or New Home

[Yuuj V.]

Good Morning BP!

I am in a dilemma and can't seem to get myself out no matter how much I keep running the scenario's and the 'what-if's' and numbers in my head. 

I'm at a fork in the road. 

I am working oversea's right now, and have been for the last 3 years. 

Over that time, I have been able to do long distance RE investing and have 2 rentals on lock. I am working on house #3 at the moment. 

House 1 was $100K with a $25K DP.

House 2 was $80K with a $17.5 DP. 

Both are geographically in different area's. 

However, I have been saving a sizable cash DP for house #3, and have been thinking about what I should do. 

My family (brothers and father) lives in Mass, (expensive, I know), and I have toyed with the idea of buying a SFR or MFR and have them live there and just pay the mortgage. I can make money off the tax return, and I'd be able to sleep guilt free at night. I know this is just business, and I should charge appropriately, but it's not important to me. Shooting myself in the foot?

Houses in MA go for $500K - $750K, so you can expect my DP cash reserve to be substantial. 

With that said, I have also thought about just focusing on 'me' and purchasing a 3rd rental, maybe even a 4th rental in different markets. 

I could use that cash for other things as well (brokerage account, invest in loans, invest in other things with better returns).

But I am stuck. 

Anyone ever come to this point in their journey where they need to decide on a tactical decision?

My 5 year plan is 5 - 7 houses, I'm on year 3 now, working on the 3rd house with reserves just in case. 

My other two houses are performing as expected with decent average returns.

If I ever decide to come back home, I would expect to live in MA, so long term, it makes sense. But long term is probably 5 - 7 years down the line. 

Thoughts?