Eventually down the line I want to start picking up rentals.

Eventually I want to build small assets.

Eventually, one of the parents got the loan for them...but it is still JUST the parent on the loan. 

It sounds to me like you are putting a lot of time, management, and risk into having a large base of unskilled labor that you can draw upon as you need them for either growth or eventually training.I agree with @J Scott that you are likely at risk if one of them were to get hurt on one of your jobs, just like you would be for any of your other employees, and you are probably getting a lower quality result by using unskilled labor.I think the safer and more flexible way to grow and maintain quality is by using subs with their own licenses, insurance, etc. that you can manage as you slowly bring in new employees that you can train and build a relationship with.

Just keep taking one step forward, and you'll arrive at your destination eventually.

You still have taxes, insurance, property management (even if you are paying yourself to do it) and, unless your brand new building is made out of pure titanium, at least some maintenance and the CERTAINTY of eventual capex.

I'll be looking for flips to start out with and eventually moving to buy and hold.

I know that new regulations have been placed on the financial institutions since 2008 to prevent a re-occurrence, but I am afraid that loopholes will be found or regulations un-enforced and then eventually history will repeat itself, but for now my advice would be to regulate yourself by not over leveraging your portfolio with easy terms that may get you in trouble later. 

I understand property isn't the first thing you invest in but my plan is to start small and build so I can eventually afford to invest in it.

Atlantic City airport will be closing down eventually and while the coach buses are nice they are inconvenient.