I just got a job as a financial analyst for the investment team at a commercial real estate management company.

Meant gut job not guy job.

My wife and I are wanting to get started in real estate as a means to get me out of my job so we I can be around the 9 month old more!

Unless you have a six-figure job, great credit, and thousands already in savings, you too will have to plan and prepare. 

Many work for a big name company and do smaller contract jobs in the side with their skills.

Are you one of the lucky ones that has left their W2 job?

Hi Ben,Congratulations on graduating college with savings, and having a nice paying job lined up.If you are serious about starting a fix and flip business with your friend, I would seriously consider talking to both a CPA and an attorney. 

I currently have a annual income of $80-$90k job, but I don't want to work 9-5 till retirement..

I would continue to work with the same contractor next time around, he did a good job and his bid was more competitive than others.

you would still need to save up money to purchase your own properties, it would just be a different jobs.