HOWEVER, I do personally make over $100k/yr cash flow from 16 properties here.

This is completely up to you, If an individual came around with perfect credit and met your other income requirements I assume you would rent to that person.

Looking out for suggestions @Kaushik SarkarIf the equity in your properties is your only source for new investing, and the new property you are buying still cash-flow's with the cost of your borrowed money (from your properties), there is no reason to not use it as an investment vehicle.  

I've seen some posts both here on BP, in local FB groups, and heard comments in person corroborate this.

Whether that be starting the side hustle of real estate investing, or finding a new job, but, personally, I would not suggest you leave a well paying job until you have started down the path of real estate investing on the side.

 I personally never listened to him.. what was it that you liked about him ? 

but it takes time and effort - like going to the market IN PERSON, and setting up a team IN PERSON. 

But since that is the choice you have made: I don't know what it is like in Pueblo; but in Mesa County where I live there is a person on staff that walks you through the process and the necessary paperwork that needs to be filed (they don't fill it out for you - just provide the steps).

Only the person running the club chooses potential investments.

Personal life’s and careers.