If you have the drive, it is never to early to learn real estate and make a really solid living off of it. 

Hey @Grant Woodward, you can never be too cautious when it comes to guest safety like @Lauren Kormylo said.There are dozens of things at your STR that could cause an injury or worse so making sure all the ducks are in a row and quackin' in unison is one of the most important things you can do.Like @John Underwood said, make sure you have a rock solid insurance policy that covers the pool and adjoining areas.

Chad,It sounds like you have a solid plan for your dad's house.

In Memphis, TN, we have solid communites to invest in around our airport.

@Gil CanfuWith a $300k price range, you're definitely in a good position to find some solid investment opportunities in the North Texas market.

I own several duplexes there and they’ve been solid investments with no issues finding renters.

Based on how I am reading your summary it sounds like there is solid equity in the 2-family in order for a bank to cross-collaterize assets. 

say you find a solid property in a low cost market for $200K and you buy it.between down payment, closing costs, rent ready / spruce up costs, and lease-up costs, you're probably going to need at least 50-65K in cash. 

Motivates tenants to conserve and not waste water.

Only wasted time and many prospective buyers in the mean time.