I work in a job where I have to relocate every 3-4 years. In this scenario does it make sense to buy real estate for that short a time?

Yes and NO and maybe.

in markets where the property value is going up very good, it can still work,

In areas where the market is stable or going down bad idea.

If you buy a fix it upper and live in it and fix it up as you live in it, it can work in any market, if that is your sort of thing.

I work in a job where I have to relocate every 3-4 years. In this scenario does it make sense to buy real estate for that short a time period?
You don't say if you re-locate in the state or overseas but if I were you and I lived in a place that I really liked and would like to live there when I retire, or if you can see that the real estate was going to escalate in price e.g.. Perth recently, I would invest in a property and rent it out.