I've received consistent returns from this and am confident I could get the money back out with minimal delay.Also, do not invest more than 10% of your nest egg in any one deal.

One of the tenants asked if I could have a big tree in their yard chopped down because she thinks there may be a wasp nest.

So that takes a pressure off, and from there just start saving everything you make from renting it out for a while and that will create a nice nest egg for future repairs.

They decided to build a satellite nest in the house. 

I just don't understand why someone who is used to spending that much per year and makes that much is considering retirement, especially without a nest egg to support the lifestyle.

If I were to research properties around my area, and get a feel for the market, would it be smart of me to take my nest egg and try to find an investment property around here when the market is low, so I can do a buy/hold/sell strategy?

I don't think 401k are all that bad, you are still relatively young and what you put in now will have plenty of time to mature to a sizable nest egg.

I graduate in May have an almost identical salary and nest egg put away.

So a bird got in my attic, made a nest, and then had babies.

Use the flips to increase your nest egg.