I'm in Columbia, South Carolina by the way and no I'm looking to build in another city but in South Carolina.

Quote from @Sophanara Khoeun: Quote from @Krystyna Schexnayder: For me personally, as a property manager and business owner, I truly believe this is not only about real estate, its a business of building relationships, and I think just being aligned with the basic principle that what we put out is what we get back, so I would be remissed not to oblige a new investors inquires. 

Build on both?

You could be overinsured on the building and lose money on not enough Personal property coverage.B. 

Buying through an agent may provide more transparency, while sheriff sales and auctions can offer deals but often come with risks, like limited property inspection or legal complications.

The modest cash flow could be reinvested, eventually allowing me to build a portfolio of income-generating properties.I recognize your point about needing $2.5M–$3M in cash to consistently replace a six-figure income.

How long did it take to complete those first three builds?

You will have a leg up on the language, transactions, inspections etc.  

I feel a loss of direction and that makes it really hard for me to focus and build.Do we keep at building a portfolio of small multi family (very abundant in my market, very rare to find anything above a triplex for sale), with plans of selling the portfolio and 1031'ing into larger properties? 

If this job popped up out of the blue, your intent was not to move within the 1st year, so you may be ok.If you are planning on building a portfolio of homes, it is safest to stick in your home for 12 months to reduce the appearance of potential fraud.