It might take time, especially with inventory issues the way you talk about it in your location but you'll get  your own home, get part/ all the monthly payment covered by the tenants, you get your feet wet investing, etc.This is my opinion.

Like previously stated, i’m looking for SFH and possibly multi-family after getting my toes wet.

But I want to start building a buyers list and make a deal or two while I’m here to get my feet wet...

This is correct.When I first read this post I was was going to be the first response but didn't want to be a wet blanket.

Mentors who have been there, will help to a certain degree just to pay it forward.I don't believe in "Gurus" or anyone else who thinks so highly of themselves to charge that much to someone just getting their feet wet, is not someone I would want to hang around with period.You can educate yourself for so much less and BP is resourceful in so many ways!

A wet or bad draining lot. 

Once my feet are wet, I plan on possibly getting into house flipping on the side.I will live in the Ocala, Florida area for at least another year and hope to maximize the time here, and being fairly centrally located in Florida, could have opportunities to invest in other locations around the state.

Now, I'm realizing it's just money going down the drain and I feel that I've currently saved enough cash to finally get my foot wet in the water to own my first ever single-family home as a primary residence.

You're looking to get your feet wet, then I suggest you begin networking in the markets you wish to take part in know who the "who's who" are in your area doing what it is you wish to do and perhaps build a rapport and partner up so you can learn the process and not put all your capital in play.  

In the meantime, I'll try to get my feet wet elsewhere.