I understand equity and cash-flow are related, but what I mean is that I don't need the cash flow right now as much as I'd like to build a strong portfolio that can cash flow even more later on.I've owned a single-family rental for 4 years, but on mulitple fronts I felt like I've done a poor job self-managing it, so this Fall I picked up the Turners' book on managing rentals and that's what led me here to Bigger Pockets online.

Welcome to Bigger Pockets Nik!

Also I know HOA fees can be outlandish.Or, would you guys recommend me keeping my money in my pocket, getting a cheap apartment my first year of work, and watching for a 300-400k HOUSE while saving?

One has a four-family that he got about three years ago, fully occupied by Temple students.

Regardless of how you find them, try to interview at least three managers.1.

With a triplex, the cost for the same slab increases only slightly, to $28,000, but you get three units instead of one.

Welcome to Bigger Pockets. 

Meeting that 2 in 5 of the last requirement allows a single owner to shield $250k of appreciation and a married couple to shield $500k.Unless you predict a lot of income from the MTR or you feel that there is a lot of appreciation incoming over the next three years (minus time get the property sold), you may want to consider collecting your $100k (passing GO) and redeploying that money to whatever you feel is its best use. 

Still a great market if you can find the right pockets.

It will be more money out of pocket to furnish it, but if your area supports it, might be a good way to keep from losing money until you can long term it.