1991 Toyota Camry post rebuild start up blues

Engine Mechanical problem
1991 Toyota Camry 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive 205000 miles

thermostat broke, engine overheated, tore down replaced headgasket, valve job and reassembled. After re assembly it won't start and water is getting sucked up into the intake any ideas? Friends think egr valve is stuck others say no. It's my first tear down this far and I am at a point of not knowing what to do or try. Any suggestions besides calling a junk yard? I really enjoy this old ride it was still good for 30mpg. Thanks. Engine is the 3s-fe 4cyl.