If you can be in the new build STR game at $800k plus, you are getting equity at close, which is a bit mind boggling. 

Truckee has some tight STR laws and if you're in that game I'd stay.  

Howdy, I have been in the game for about 10 years now and have mid seven figures of real estate assets. 

Don't play the blame game.

Then connect with some hard money lenders (you can find some here on BP as well as some who are typing this right now) and connect with them to understand their product type, what they like to lend on and requirements.Hard money broker is all numbers game of making relationships and helping those that are looking for financing, it starts out slow but if you get with a few good borrowers and lenders it can be pretty decent money to be made.As an example we paid six figures last year to HM brokers. 

Learn everything about real estate like it's your favorite video game and show your wife how passionate you are and how much you believe in real estate.

I am playing a long game.

It could take years of sacrifice and saving to get into this game and most people don't want to wait that long.  

After reading so many intros of young, single, eager individuals, I'm hoping I'm not too late to the game! 

It can mean being an affiliate service provider: GC/sub trade, sales broker, debt provider/capital markets, property management, real estate attorney, real estate focused tax professional,  etc.