I’d say getting licensed helped me better learn the market, network with peers, learn the mortgage industry, how to make strong offers, find deals, etc. but it takes time to ramp up the income.Somehow I got the best of both worlds with a steady paycheck with a job I get to do from home, and the flexibility to keep up with my real estate deals.

(In the real world, your exact cash to close will never be an exact round number like $7,000)

This ****ing surveillance world.

Welcome to the world of real estate investing.  

Then quit your job once that income is equal to or greater than your day job.You can likely do 2 deals your first year and you should always clear at least $20k on a small value flip, otherwise it is not worth the time, effort or risk, with the exception of doing worse than that on your first deal or two but gain experience and real world education (which holds its own value over actual monetary profits).

Brand new to bigger pockets and new to the real estate investing world.

Thank you in advance.With what you described, your best bet might be to cite AB-5 and make them W2/salary you.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Assembly_Bill_5_(2019)You will find a world of possibilities open up as soon as that is done.

When my first child was born, I had 7 units, was running another business and my world just got flipped upside down with a child. 

It's not the end of the world.

Either way keep in mind how touchy some municipality workers can be emotionally lol always approach every meeting/ phone call with a ton of kindness, & politeness.. it makes a world of a difference here.