It seems like this is the better way to go in starting out as a new investor because you can strive to get the properties for dirt cheap and then wholesale them.

The farmer doesn't strive for balance. 

You need to push against that resistance until you break through it and become a successful real estate investor.You must understand that there is someone who is striving to get exactly what you want.

striving for 100% occupancy is what those new to STR seek.

While I may fail here and there, I strive to stay legal.

I've been focused on setting goals and meeting them consistently in order to push myself towards the better version of myself that I strive to be.What I've accomplished so far,I've managed my personal finances to the point where I am saving 40% of my take-home pay every month (This will become 65% as soon as I enter a full-time position with my company)I've adopted many minimalist habitsI've trimmed away almost all the frivolous spending in my budgetI've researched a ton of real estate investing, through the Bigger Pockets Podcast, Graham Stephen, Meet Kevin, Matt Mckeever, and an obnoxious amount of reading.

Congratulations, I strive to be in your shoes one day.

Is her plan to live in a nice starter home that keeps up with the Joneses and drive nice new starter cars that keep with the Joneses and have expenses that keep up with the Joneses as you both strive and strive to provide more income to keep up with the Joneses...and that you do these things as you expand the Byers family, member by member, and grow the Byers budget, lifestyle-creep-expense by lifestyle-creep-expense?

Also, what is a target cash on cash return people are getting or striving for in today's market?

I'm also striving to get my real estate license rolling after the first of the year.