To help me launch, especially with the buy and holds, I flipped a few properties first to really build that nest egg.

You can save way more every year and build that nest egg faster to do more interesting investing. 

Do it once per year for ten years or so and you'll have a nice nest egg. 

You are going to sacrifice your tax leveraged nest egg for your first try at real estate?

out of state investors have in my mind next to zero chance of making D class 400.00 doors in the mid west work.. and now this guy just leveraged his families whole net worth or nest egg on what I see is total risky.. but this irrational exuberance to own rentals at any cost and get financial freedom clouds judgement..

I always say you could probably build a $20,000 nest egg by doing something as easy as working at 7-11 nights and weekends, or delivering pizza, or uber eats.   

I didnt want to invest right away because I wanted to make sure to save up a nest and build up my income with a stable job before jumping right into real estate investing.

I know it's a long story so I appreciate your endurance.Over the years I have saved up a decent nest egg and would like to put it to work in real estate. 

Regarding your nest egg, have you considered borrowing against that cash?

Sure, many are living with their parents longer, but eventually, they must leave the nest and find their own place.