If you are trying to build your portfolio faster I'd probably go with the second scenario.

The building itself cannot be accelerated. 

If this is your first property, you could consider starting with a smaller apartment building and going after the opportunity first, and the property as a secondary consideration.

Focus on understanding financing options like FHA, conventional, or creative strategies, and practice analyzing deals to build confidence.

First build a team, then build a empire. 

Ultimately build equity by having tenants cover mortgage.

There are really great REI opportunities in different markets - markets in the Midwest and Southeast of the country are particularly lucrative - where not only are the purchase prices reasonable for most RE investors, but the homes are turnkey (new builds or completely rehabbed homes, tenant ready, systems 10 years of life remaining on them, property management teams in place) with appreciating home value AND appreciating rent.

It can be done for new build but not rehab since all rehabs are different. 

I’m looking for small multi-family homes in the $150k-$250k range, focusing on property appreciation with minimal cash flow to build reserves.I’ve been considering areas like Fishtown, Somerton, Roxborough, Haverford, Conshohocken, West Norriton, Upper Darby, Lansdale, and Abington.

I left my job 2 years ago to help me and sister build a online business.