Does that make you feel comfortable?

Get out of your comfort zone.

If you’re working with VA-savvy lenders who are comfortable with your plan and don’t impose stricter rules, you might be able to rinse and repeat as you described.

Sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zone is necessary to discover new opportunities.

It's comforting to know I don't have to obsess about reviews. 

If the only MFH options you're finding are in areas you're not comfortable with, it might be worth focusing on a duplex in a better neighborhood.Saving up for a larger property later is a valid approach too, but keep in mind that real estate tends to appreciate over time, and waiting might make it harder to enter the market later.

Given today’s interest rates, a highly-leveraged arrangement (where you’re putting 3% or 5% down) probably isn’t going to generate any cash flow, so unless you’re comfortable with injecting money into the deal every month, I’d recommend accumulating more cash before you start investing.Generally speaking, a good place to begin is when you have enough for a 20% down payment, closing costs, and 3 to 6 months of reserves.

Get out of your comfort zone.

Trade some comfort for financial stability.Part of attaining financial success is being simultaneously optimistic and paranoid. 

Quote from @Scott Mac: Safety - Inherit a fully paid for SFH, in decent condition, in the neighborhood you live in, and rent it out to long term tenants who you are comfortable with.