I'm starting to realize that investing is something I want to consider learning for long term as I spend more time in this industry.

I recognize there are other ways I could invest this cash (including another property) but I am being mindful of levering myself out too much in the current environment where job losses are more common in my industry (tech).

In the "industry", you would use an "Acquisition/Rehab" loan that allows you to use part of the loan to apply to the purchase of the property and you'll have some loan funds left over to use for the rehab.

Or the house construction industry in general where they build for $X and sell for $X+margin?

Though I would caution you on hard money lending until you understand the industry a bit better, that can be very rewarding but you have to be able to do your due diligence on deals because you're turning over your hard-earned money to an individuals project, often a flip. 

So basically wholesaling is really not the wave to go because it's nearly getting banned and there are ppl in the industry who try to **** you up because I have know clue what I'm doing?

A young population plus a growing industry makes for good long term investments, but unless you are really scaling the cashflow can be hit or miss. 

Invelo is a true all-in-one solution for real estate investors, built with industry-proven best practices.

Beside the government regulation and insurance shutting down certain markets, STR industry will continuously grow.

YUP anyone advocating this to the public is not doing the industry any favors to many bad apples and even if your the holier than though trainer etc etc.. the students are such that you cannot know who is going to be a bad apples and screw people.. having spent 40 years lending money to investors .. its the nicest ones up front that end up being bad apples.