The advice @Gregory Wilson gave you was spot on.

In addition to that, you still need an additional 24 months of practical construction experience to qualify, which is more than enough time to weed out anyone who can't handle the real-word construction industry.

Tough spot to be in.First, it sounds like your parents really want what they think is best for you; that's great! 

I remember when I was in a similar spot, debating whether to leverage my first rental to acquire another property.

We'll get a new arena for the OKC Thunder soon, unemployment continues to be low and the market is less reliant on the oil and gas industry that in the past.

I've spotted a package deal for two duplexes right next door to each other.

I am a new investor and eager to connect and learn the industry.   

We have about 30K saved and are willing to move just about anywhere in the country (spots that cashflow??).

Chris is spot on here, the new law is going to be in effect from Friday first of November.

I know this isn't the usual STR approach as most are going after high end vacation spots, etc but to me this strategy is low risk as I'll make sure the numbers work so that I can convert to LTR if needed.