I stayed there one night, while on a field job in my past engineer life.

I do not see a field listed for it.

(Essentially this means experts in the field reviewed my science and deemed it worthy enough to pass along to the rest of the scientific community).

to go look at the area you are interested-Talk to a real state agent-Call a property managerI would get in touch with a real estate agent ASAP, they will be your best quaterbacks (probably bad reference I don't watch football) they will connect you to all the people you need for getting your property and more!

I am coming here to ask for any tips I could get that will kickstart my schooling/performance in the field.

If you get a degree in the same field of your degree the bank will qualify you as two years work experience.

If you can, work in a related field such as property management, construction, or real estate.

It's not just that, it's consistent work in the same field/industry, reserves, good Debt to Income Ratio, and down payment ability. 

I agree with others, our STR had a record year even in a non-tourist college town in a year football was basically cancelled.

And put lots of opportunities through the funnel.Life is played on the field, not on the sidelines.