Congrats on saving $6k and working towards investing in real estate. It's great that you have two options on the table, but it's understandable to feel overwhelmed and intimidated about which path to take.
Both FHA loans and short-term financing have their own pros and cons. FHA loans can help you get into a property in a decent area, but you have to live in the property as your primary residence and be prepared to deal with the challenges of being a landlord. On the other hand, short-term financing can be a great way to build up your real estate knowledge and experience, but it requires you to be well-versed in rehabbing and finding trustworthy contractors.
Given your background as a CPA and your available time after April, I would suggest taking a closer look at the short-term financing option. You can use your ample time to learn as much as you can about rehabbing and connect with the right people. This will not only help you make an informed decision, but also help you maximize your return on investment.