Since then, everything has gone great but my savings hasn't grown as quickly as I'd hoped (apparently weddings cost money). 

Not sure what kind of photo work you do but if it's things like portraits or weddings and those are in the evening or on weekends, that could allow parts of the days that could be put to doing your woodworking.

My real desire is to learn the ins and outs of real estate and how i can use this venue to build long term wealth.

My guess is it was used for receptions, parties, weddings.

For a house that big I feel like it would be a LTR unless you have a specific idea for it (ie like a wedding venue house or something like that).

I have an interesting opportunity to co-sign on a property that has been rented out via Airbnb and Weddings. 

Wed 3-6, thurs 3-6, sat 12-3, sun 12-3.

It is very expensive, and with bills, wedding payments were slowly starting to fall behind.

I have about $20,000 between cash reserves for my triplex and wedding savings.This is just the state of where things are now; I'm definitely not here to complain.

My wife and I own three rentals but wish to delve into new REI venues