Use it to gain some experience as a landlord and in two years leverage the equity to purchase a duplex.

We also have a team of VAs assisting the leadership team and tracking KPIs so we know if any location is faltering and needs attention. 

What can I do to gain experience/get a job and get noticed in this field? 

Since Texas is a tax deed state, you gain ownership at auction, but the previous owner has 6 months to 2 years to redeem it by paying your bid plus 25% interest (in year one).

You said you can't sell now, but want to wait for the equity gain.

I am committed to gaining knowledge and understanding the ins and outs of the industry.

So all of the gain and depreciation recapture are initially still tax deferred.However, like Joe said, the down side is later when sold  you lose the 1031 option. the client will pay tax on all gain and depreciation recaptured from before the 1031 also. 

@Edgar Duarte Selling now under the primary residence exclusion avoids capital gains taxes, allowing you to reinvest the $500K equity in diversified assets like index funds or additional rental properties.

At this point since it's after the fact while not totally correct; you may explore adding the missed asset/basis amount as a selling cost to just reduce your gain. 

I’m brainstorming ideas on how I can market myself to potential mentors in the STR game in order to gain experience.