Eventually, I would like to have enough cash to work into bigger multi-families expanding across the country and be able to hire managers.

You get long term finance and if one renter goes out you still could possibly have cash flow to pay the note.Another option is to buy a house in stage zero of a new home development where homes are just going up.

Eventually, you can co-list with them or help find deals in exchange for a fee.

I see many investors saying they are buying properties with no cash-flow or even a negative cash-flow because they predict the market will continue to grow and they'll eventually gain a cash-flow and build equity.

If they are deadbeats you may get nothing but I have heard on this forum they they do eventually get paid back, even years later, so it is worth a try imo.If you stick with this company or use a new company be sure to have a clearly defined policy about how non payment of rent is handled.

Located not to far from a new developing neighborhood.Owner is asking for $189,000.

I know of forest bluff and Austin colony developments by DR Horton in Austin that will give me that kind of rent, but since I have already bought one in Austin I don’t want to put too many eggs in one basket.I liked one new townhome construction by DR Horton in Durham within my price range but are not offering the phase 1 to investors.

Then of course focus on the long term strategy, don't scale too quickly through leverage, budget, pay down debt quickly, then eventually see the cash flow snowball once these properties are paid off. 

Retail use or office buildings are $1M+, but I'm not a developer at all.In my mind, considering a property is already present (and might involve demo to upgrade the overall property), what's the best way to analyze this property.

Ocean View lots and homes go for  big  bucks eventually so if you can hold that might be your best overall strategy.