But you can go from 10 unit MF to 50 units fairly easily given that you have established a track record and experience.Personally, I would rather have a 10 unit MF netting $200/unit than 2 SFH netting $1000/house. 

(Usually 6 months in my experience) The property will then not go against your income because an established rent will be shown in your checking account. 

So I have recently established my own Real Estate investing business.

I have in the last year established an LLC, and am looking to grow my business to someday be a full time business.

Once more established we do have philanthropic goals to assist local families in need of housing. 

I've been listening to Bigger Pockets a lot recently to hone my knowledge and to get any edge I can to help me outpace the established competition in my area. 

The added benefit of this process is that you can also have your attorney sign the public records as "Nominee Trustee" before assigning yourself as the "Trustee" once the Trust has been established.

I usually start clients out in more established neighborhoods with consistent track records.

What chance do I have, being very conservative, having bought nothing before, having little to no connections at all, over someone who is established, connected, knowledgeable about the area, risk tolerant, and ready to pounce?

Plus more and more companies are establishing here and offering employment with much higher wages than most people around here are used to earning but as more and more people are able to earn higher wages then I know sooner or later the rents are going to go up significantly.