I’m also a big fan of having a method to accumulate nice chunks of cash, rapidly, without borrowing (especially hard money).May you have Great Fortune in your Endeavors! 

This was my first rental property purchase so my original goal was to buy and hold, and accumulate a number of properties.

Like said, in the last 5 years, had I stuck to doing what you're doing (which I have done a few times as well) I could probably have accumulated the same number of building lots in prime Asheville neighborhoods, with more certainty, less effort, less risk, and with no more capital than we have invested now (about 600k).

My strategy for 2021 was to keep renting and remote invest in other states and so far I've accumulated 4 lower priced properties in OKC and Pittsburgh.

But don't despair because although this is the case when you look at it myopically, in reality most investors go into multiple deals accumulating 100s of thousands of passive activity losses in their first few years investing.

I am anti-cash, because cash is trash, but I need to be able to accumulate some for down payment, possible rehab, and reserves.  

That looks like a portfolio made to protect wealth, not accumulate it. 

I'm looking to purchase a tri or 4 plex to accumulate multiple sources in cash flow.

While there are many games you can play, including borrowing against a 401(k), partnering with someone with cash, working with seller financing, and using equity from your personal residence, the harsh reality is this:If you can't aggressively accumulate money every month, you probably won't succeed in real estate.If you want to buy real estate out in Cali, Bro, you are probably going to need to be WAY more aggressive than the rest.

During that time I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and good information pertaining to real estate.