Very different advice if you were looking to make $20k a month while spending your days on the golf course or lake. 

Readers should seek professional advice.

Readers should seek professional advice.

Readers should seek professional advice.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated   

@Allen Masry to echo everyone’s sentiments here, be patient, educate yourself because as quick as that money comes, it could go away just as quick if you make hasty decisions, especially on people giving advice on Internet forums like these.That being said, settlements take much longer to come in than you might think.  

Quote from @Jay Fayz: Hello everyone,I've recently been exploring real estate as a potential career path and I'm looking for advice on the best entry-level job to gain experience and knowledge.

It sounds like you are not working with a realtor that knows the in's and out's of STR's in the area. 

My advice is just to do more research and really get to know the area that you decide to buy in.  

It sounds like they have been paying, maybe talking to them about your concerns can help them better meet your expectations.