I've been interested by real estate for about a year now, and I am currently about halfway through the required course material to obtain my real estate license.

Currently with sites like zillow the data is low (not many rental Bc of high demand) in the area that i am looking at, so it seems tough to get an accurate rental comp?

But unlike many who go the HELOC route, you asked the tough questions and made an educated decision. 

It may be tough for them to use the STR income without 2 years trailing numbers, but you could use market rent numbers or long term leases if you have them.

Its tough to be a realtor and have a full time W2 anyway.If I were you I would start to connect with local realtors and contractors in the area and purchase a house as quickly as possible to house-hack.

@Nick Philippakos While that's a solid amount of money in the bank, I can see the lenders having a tough time lending to a person who does not have a stable income.

Especially since COVID and material shortages. 

I argue that the contractor hasn't waited for any finishes from me because I was keeping well ahead of his need for them, but he argues that not having all the finish materials in place is too disruptive so it forces him to go slowly.

It's a tough call and one only you can make.

I have amassed a material amount of capital through various side hustles though-out college and would like to deploy this capital into the largest multi family home in or outside of Charlotte, NC.