In our experience, the higher calibre tenants prefer a longer term (they want to settle down and find a Home); though when the housing market heated up we also had a lot of great applicants who wanted the flexibility to leave if they were able to BUY their own home (a bit more work for you, but not awful if the tenants are consistently good).Congrats on the purchase!

Additionally, networking at real estate meetups and telling people your goals will unlock opportunities you wouldn't imagine if you consistently go and meet people each time.

I feel like my consistency and discipline over the past 5 years is truly what has led me to where I am today.

That is consistent with my posts in regards to traveling nurses. 

If you are consistent with learning real estate over the next 4-6 months, you’ll be ready to purchase your first (or next) property in NO TIME!

Im looking into a short term rental such as AirBnB and wanted to know if occupancy is still pretty consistent?

There's no way they won't send you deals i you stay consistent and follow up 

Sadly, I have found that the managed properties that consistently look the best, are managed by companies expecting higher than minimum wage fees.I would search out a PM company and interview them in person or recorded Zoom cast.The company should be able to furnish you with some of the addresses they manage so you can look to see the properties at least from the roadside.

you have to have a lot of 1 and at least little of the other), take action on the revenue generating actions (marketing, aka lead gen), and BE CONSISTENT.

I'm yet to pull that trigger in real estate investing but ACTIVITY irregardless of niche/strategy selected should get you going.10/20/50 calls a day etcThen1/10 offers made a day consistently etc then results will follow.This is the Marketing part of your real estate business.Ramp up the ACTIVITY