Why do these companies feel like they need to charge so much, especially upfront?

If you don't feel comfortable picking funds at Vanguard, you can always pay an advisor an hourly fee (don't pay more than $150/hr) to set you up.

Please feel free to reply or send me a message.

It's good to be open because we so often tout the successes and then people struggle and feel like they're the only ones when, in reality, most of us have struggled in one way or another.

Fast forward to now, I’ve got a much better paying job, more funds, and prices seem to be coming back to a point that I’d feel comfortable with. 

Feel free to reach out. 

Feel free to reach out!

I feel most of them are already occupied and Im not able to get in without being under contract.

guests=1&...https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/842278641447927875?

It takes one guest to bring a huge headache your way or to potentially ruin your life and everything you worked for.