PPC marketing via google bing and facebook. it can be expensive but you get to track down to the keyword what works and what doesn't. so when you find success you can ramp it up quickly. 

Mint and Wave are also good programs for tracking personal and business finances when you're starting out.

Once you have a solid track record, reputation, and relationship with the HML, you may be able to negotiate better terms. 

I'd always be naturally wary of moving any asset into California because of the "California Clawback" which allows CA to track any asset that goes back from CA to any place else via a 1031. 

Also it is a bit of a hassle keeping track of multiple insurance policies, tax statements, and mortgage information for multiple properties compared to a single one for a 4-plex.Overall, both strategies are great, and I would gladly buy more small multi-faimly or single family homes if they meet my criteria.

I want to open an American bank account so that I can start building some sort of track record in the United States.

@Katie Ferguson @Michele Zugschwerdt is on the right track here.  

It definitely sounds like you are on the right track!! 

Some investors have lower risk tolerance and might not be the right fit for someone new without a track record.

Part of me wants to jump into the 4 unit and get on the fast track but it is an area that is less populated then the SFH nevertheless I know it can still be rented there.