Surprising! Sounds like the best thing that happened in this story was partnering with other wealthy people to engage in leveraged speculation on Bay Area real estate.
Even financially, that may be the more valuable learning.
I can see how you made this conclusion, which is semi-correct. You don't have to partner with other wealthy people though, it just makes getting to a point of retirement faster. So if I was to do everything myself, it would probably have taken 12 years to get to where I am vs 6.
This isn't a small difference, it's huge. 6 years of your most productive adult years.
1. Your mom doesn't have enough money - You can still involve your parents by having them manage your property. You'd be surprised though, most parents have at least 20-30k saved up.
2. You can't imagine a partnership with your mom (maybe she's too controlling?). Coming from asian parents, I personally felt this way growing up. I suggest finding ways to bond and build trust with your parents first. If you notice friction with your parents, it would improve your long term happiness if you addressed this sooner than later. Usually, parents are the few people in this world who would never scheme behind your back to screw you over. Having them as your ally could do wonders.
Most American households couldn't come up with $1k in an emergency, much less "20-30k saved up to go in on an investment". Plus, they'll already have jobs themselves, and you're suggesting adding an additional one on top of that? I hope they're getting paid well off that
I think the commenter was poking fun at your 1% lifestyle.
Good for you mate.