In the meantime, I would like to gain experience through employment with an existing real estate or property management company.Is there anyone out there that can provide me with some good advice/guidance as to the best and most practical route to achieve that goal?

This thread shows there is a need for a larger guided discussion on best practices as it relates to (renters) insurance.

I would keep the brokerage account and focus on the tried-and-true practice of saving up for a new investment.

If I were to guess, I would think that the new administration will bring positive change to the housing sector by removing regulations that impede builders, and affect building material costs. 

One thing to take note of is that a lot of places that are established STR markets have regulations stating that you have to honor future bookings.

This is a practice by some less than reputable companies.

So you missing that investors are well compensated for the risk associated with the various policies/regulations. 

There is a formula that you must follow if you want to perform, having a realtor who knows the market inside and out and practices what they preach is an absolute necessity. 

I will not comment as to the tax laws and underlying rules - that is a discussion you can have with your tax advisor who presumably you are paying to help you.What I will do is provide practical and business guidance on tracking time.Firstly, there are apps available that can assist with time tracking where you can specifically detail your time, who you met with, etc.

Issue is, in these "bad" deals the government comes after the lease option seller for predatory lending practices and the eviction / foreclosure process is a nightmare.