re: If I start investing would it be better to dump a bunch of money all at once

Long term, lump sum mathematically beats dollar cost averaging more often than not. But of course, there is luck involved and emotional discipline. If you might panic sell if you see it drop then dollar cost averaging may be better tactic to increase odds you stay the course.

DCA is better than saving up to invest a lump sum all at once but if you already have the $ accumulated lump sum more often than not putting it to work all at once is best for returns. People often misinterpret this concept and think they should incrementally invest even when they already have a large waiting to deploy. That might be better emotionally but doesnt work out better on average assuming you stay the course.