It's important to understand the zoning/code requirements and obtain all necessary permitting if you intend on operating your real estate as STR anywhere in the country.

Drive around the neighborhoods to understand the lay of the land - if you have someone who will take you around and explain, better yet. 

I fully understand there are consequences for my mistakes and I own up to that.

I don’t completely understand how I could best put my money towards a rental property or fund one with the income that I am making.

While this is a great and highly motivating goal, most people are either clueless or incorrect in their belief as to what is required to obtain this “lifestyle”.Understanding of the “how to” get there is further obscured by the misleading, and often patently false “pathways” sold by real estate educational MARKETING companies as workshops, upsold to association memberships, upsold to mentorships.

Therefore, any strategic/investing where you have a solid plan to get most/all of your capital back would be my target for this type of capital.

Something will come up that you do not understand or do not have to knowledge to deal with.

I'm seeking to be in an environment with like minded individuals to learn and network to grow my portfolio and eventually network to collaborate on larger deals once I have a better understanding of the commercial side. 

The reason being they see no benefit and they do not understand it. 

I am seeing more bureaucracy like inspections and fees, which I can understand because some people let their places become true hazards.I do agree what @John Underwood said and would consider lawyering up.