However, I'm now reading Dave Meyer's book Start With Strategy to learn more about whether long-term residential rentals is even the best approach or if I should be looking into other strategies, in light of my overall goal.After Start With Strategy I plan to read Set For Life by Scott Trench, but what other recommendations do you guys have at the strategic level?

Two factors at play here.1) STRs generally appraise as residential homes, not as businesses based on multiples. 

It's a weird thing to be young and anti-W2 job.

All my experience has been in the residential side.  

While residential development is generally restricted in these areas, there are specific circumstances under which it may be permitted:Special Mixed-Use Districts (MX): In certain M1-2 zones, residential use is allowed when paired with a residential district under the MX designation.

Right now I am in a unique situation and I have a concern.I want to buy a residential property.

. • The real property that is being occupied includes a residential dwelling.• An unauthorized person or persons have unlawfully entered and remain or continue to reside on the property owner's property.• The real property was not open to members of the public at the time the unauthorized person or persons entered. • The property owner has directed the unauthorized person to leave the property. • The unauthorized person or persons are not current or former tenants pursuant to a written or oral rental agreement authorized by the property owner. • The unauthorized person or persons are not immediate family members of the property owner. • There is no pending litigation related to the real property between the property owner and any known unauthorized person. 

I'm assuming you're referring to residential (SF and MF) properties that are vacant, is that correct?

BPG Residential 

Would have done 2-3X better in stock market, and with 1000% less grief/stress. read this to start with Why your house is a terrible investment - JLCollinsnhAlso, big picture, residential RE, appreciates only at rate of inflation, on average both in US and abroad."