That definitely helps.

My wife and I are interested in expanding to help bump up our cash flow to help at least one of us exit our current W2 jobs but are hesitant to do so given the current market climate. 

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

I could do all cash with perhaps some help from family (less than $15k) or friends/partners (one has asked me to find something he could join in on with $20k, the other serious one has about $35k-$50k to invest with me). 

You certainly don't have to live there first, but what you are doing now is not helping you.

I’m 18 fresh out of high school, I’m trying to start a real estate investing company and I need a lot of guidance, any help is greatly appreciated.

I put together a few resources for investors to help them understand the good areas and bad areas, what to look out for, and what to avoid.

Of course, happy to help! 

Perhaps what you might consider doing before investing the amount being asked is decide if you want or can assemble a similar list of professionals to help with your activities!

This is a great forum with very knowledgeable members that will help to guide you in the right direction.There are some pretty cool discounts on various products and services offered as Perks to BP members that you might want to check out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/pro