I have now saved $200k (liquid) that is ready to be deployed.

I've worked with some Canadians buying  here in Ohio.Indeed, rather than selling your stocks to fund investments (and lose out on any potential price appreciation and dividend payments, as well as incurring capital gains taxes), a nice alternative is to borrow against some percentage of the holdings.You would start with the brokerage where you hold the stocks and see what their loan program looks like for the account you hold. 

You are'nt saving money (or time or avoiding stress) by self managing. 

Yes, you can “save” interest by paying off a loan faster - SO WHAT?  

Plus with no state income tax, cheap insurance, and very low property taxes, I’m probably starting $20k ahead of most people, and that’s a tax free $20k.).

If the foundation is good, the roof is good, the floors are good, the layout is good, you are probably saving at least $100k right there in labor/materials.The other thing that frequents adds a lot of cost is when the unknown occurs.  

Sellers can avoid paying transfer taxes to the county, while buyers are spared from facing significant property tax increases.However, it's important to note that lenders typically only approve these loans for properties with five or more units.

In North Jersey, buying is difficult from my beginner perspective with high prices, property tax, etc.Barrier to entry feels high in my area.

Post Dodd Frank sellers have continued the same bad practice of selling houses to occupants with financing at selling prices that are way high, can't be justified via any type of 3rd party valuation (appraisal, zestimate, tax value, even recent sales in the same area).   

No state taxes, high appreciation, Economic and Job growth, Population growth, etc.