new investor - Greenville, South Carolina area

[Hani Madbak]

Hello to all, 

My name is George and i am definitely interested in starting to invest in real estate. I live in the Greenville, SC area and if anyone is unfamiliar with the area, its thriving with growth. Good schools and lots of properties available to buy and rent. 

I am currently a full time employee for the largest chemical company in the world. I am a mechanical engineer by trade but currently hold a project manager position for small to medium capital projects. I feel i can relate in managing and making smart decisions in real estate as i can bring many project management tools to the table to help me in this new adventure that i am about to take on. 

I managed to save little bit over $100K and am willing to put money to work. One may ask what do i want? Well, i am all about long term investing and planning for retirement. I am interested in residential investments where i can buy and rent to tenants. Not too concerned with cash flow as i am smart enough to not spend that cash i receive from the properties. i am looking to expand and own several properties over the next decade or so. I am excited and anxious at the same time as i don't have the experience of doing all this. 

Just purchased Brandons rental property investing and I'm in the education and research phase of understanding the business of renting to tenants. 

So this brings me to what ideas and questions i have: i am looking at a nearby new construction multifamily property (townhouse), where the area/location has great schools and convenient  to many amenities such as shopping and easy access to downtown.Also, this townhouse is a new construction property and should reduce or eliminate  my expense cost for the first couple of years due to warranties.  I understand the more equity i have the better off i am from a risk standpoint, however, leverage is a great way to make cash flow and earn and own more properties. I also do want to start slow, so thinking of either purchasing one or two units to start with and taking it from there. 

Question, do i buy one and put most of my money as downpayment to quickly pay it off and move on to the next? or buy two at the get go and take off from there? 

Am i thinking correctly about this? any advice or feedback is highly appreciated. Also willing to connect local investors in the area if any.

Thanks

George