Where am I going

I make a good living but don't live the good life.  Work, work, work, and then come home and work somemore.  I am reading books about how to become successful in this real estate endevour, but where do I go from here.  Time is a big hurdle, I am a father of three, but I want to get going so I can have more time with them. 

I have contacted a mortgage broker and will be meeting with her soon to discuss what we need to have together in order to invest.  I currently am paying and living in a 3/2/1 in an excellent rental neighborhood, and hope to keep it to rent it out.  Has anyone started out like this before?  I would like to rent it, get some cash flow and live in the next potential rental.  My wife is on board but I don't know how lenders look at this.

My goal is to get enough of the hold/flip when the market is prime proerties to do this as a full time gig.  I want to be a business owner, not self employeed.  I am motivated, I'm looking everywhere I can to get the education, and I'm good with money.  Does anyone have some good next step advice?

So where am I going?  To a place that puts me in control of my money and investments, and will allow me to live the good life.