Build the base of the pyramid and then keep adding blocks

So my plan is to rehab and rent out 2-5 properties including my first purchase which will be my residence (I'm single so I can rent all the other rooms), then after a year or so when I can 1031 most of them, I'll sell them and pyramid into my first commercial rehab.

I have been reading a book (Nickerson_William_-_How_I_Turned_1000_into_Five_Million_in_Real_Estate_in_my_spare_time) which talks about pyramiding properties.  

I aim for the E4-E5 or O1-O2 tier, which is the widest tier in the "pyramid" of rank, and just above the high-school mentality of the 17-18 year olds.  3/2 SFRs serve new family formation.  

Eventually what I may do is pyramid up...trade 4 multi-units for two small apartment complexes or something like that.

The splits/caps of larger RE companies feel too much like a pyramid scheme to me. 

isn't a 1031 standard practice for most investors to pyramid up?

There have been constant struggles with the city, county, state, and federal government for tax relief and financing to make this project a reality.The Pyramid Cos. claim this resort would create approximately 120,000 new jobs and bring millions of tourists to the Syracuse area.

I have seen a few out there but they all come across like pyramid scams or an advertisement for the next most expensive conference. 

I believe it was the 100/10/3/1 pyramid. 100 homes that fit your criteria, 10 worth checking out, 3 you make an offer on and then 1 accepted.