Im not the greatest when it come to public speaking and things like that but I want to meet more people involved in business and real estate so I can network and keep bettering my self. 

Obviously if you have unlimited cash then sure, don't do it but for 90% of people it is the cost of doing business. 

You might also meet someone that could be a potential business partner.

-On a busy street. 

Here are a few initial questions that I have: - I'm wondering if there's a recommended corporate structure for these type of business activities, focused primarily on both short-term and long-term rentals.

Not sure if that will work for your business, but hopefully this helps.

Just that QuickBooks is so dominantly used in the accounting world I want to get it so my son (first year accounting major) to learn it while I use it for our business. 

My business partner deals with that side of the business, so I can get you guys in touch. 

If you're looking for a long term business associate, in my personal opinion it is best to team up with someone that you want to make rich.

do some odd jobs--plenty of contractors are looking for help...start a lawn care business (extremely popular right now), work for a company that's involved with real estate such as a property manager, title company or hard money company (F-Street is often hiring) or a real estate investment company?