I'd be proud to have that in my portfolio.

These are often times called "portfolio" loans. 

The question is, with the opportunity to partner on a bigger deal with people I trust 100% i.e. my dad and brother, does that accelerate my timeline to really making a successful RE portfolio?

My goal is to create a portfolio to secure financial independence . 

However it's not something that can easily be abused to scale a rental portfolio. 

Also want to add if you domicile in a market with no real appreciation.. and you dont have a job were you can hit big homes runs.. then growing a rental portfolio or fix and flipping is to me the best way to grow your net worth.. with the idea of at the end of the run retiring as much debt as possible to end up with free and clear assets or nearly so.

Expanding your portfolio will take some time, I'd be patient as your main goal of cash flowing is attainable and you sound to be on a good start.

So my original strategy this year was to house-hack a 4-plex to begin building my portfolio.

Being my age I am considering looking into another job that relates to real estate that will give me more experience and insight into the industry which will allow me to apply it to my own future portfolio even if it means taking a reasonable pay cut.

Finally, with the use of Trusts while establishing these structures you can add a level of anonymity by removing your name from public record.When I work with my clients to discuss asset protection I navigate with them through: the size of their portfolio, their level of exposure and their future goals.