@Julie Doke: Industry specific software speaks to you and you can easily relate it to your day to day process.

End goal is get into the commercial housing and industrial.

Then I'd probably spread that $750k out amongst numerous operators and diversify across asset classes that I like (for me it would be industrial, multifamily, storage, and mobile home parks).

It doesn't matter the company you work for as long as you are part of the real estate industry. 

If I had the business headquartered at some commercial or industrial space, I could deduct the entire cost of the space. 

I've learned that it's extremely important to find balance in this industry as your passion for your business can impact your personal life greatly!

Then I begin to research the industry.

Affordable Entry Prices: Both Oklahoma City (OKC) and Tulsa offer properties well below your $200K-$300K range, making it easier to meet your cash flow goals.Landlord-Friendly Laws: Oklahoma is one of the most landlord-friendly states, which simplifies managing your investment and dealing with tenants.Strong Rental Demand: Both OKC and Tulsa have stable rental demand, especially in areas near colleges, hospitals, and growing suburbs.Job & Population Growth: OKC, in particular, has been experiencing job growth in energy, aerospace, and tech industries, contributing to a growing rental market.

I do not think they regulate this strictly on other industries like food service, or even medical.Sounds like the mayor or city planner or someone "important" had a bad stay at a STR somewhere.

I currently work as a Pipefitter (think plumbing but on industrial steroids).