I worked for a group of real estate investors when i lived in Phoenix Arizona for about 3 years before having to move closer to my family here in Columbia, SC.

Because you have the potential to move around a bunch, it would be worth looking to find a small multi-family property where you can live in one unit and rent the others.

I’m quite certain it is, since the couple we bought the home from 6 years ago rented it out as one, and we heard it was quite successful since it’s near Dodge Ridge ski slopes… it was perfect for us because it’s just 5 minutes from the general store and great food, and less than ten from gorgeous hiking. 1.5 hours from Yosemite… so that’s why it did so well… I think that’s why the investor sent us that letter in the mail originally 

I am trying to raise money from Friends and Family for putting together the down payment needs.

It depends on how much capital you have but I recommend either house hacking (3.5% - 5% down) a 2-4 unit property or you'll need 20-25% down for a non-owner occupant purchase which comes with higher rates.I would say house hacking is not an option for me, because I have a family with 2 kids (need good schools). 

"I will buy at least one single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex before the end of 2019") and then do it.

Someone smart enough with enough influence to get the family to sell.

Do you know how much it would cost to find land and build a 2-4 family there?

I have family in Raleigh, wife and I can't afford where we live in LA, CA so we're looking for an investment property elsewhere to get into some RE while we keep renting in CA, and Raleigh has that familial connection--who knows, maybe we'll move there but assuming we won't for this decision. 

I hope to learn more about successfully buying and renting single family homes as well as section 8.