changing career

I'm a newbie changing careers too. From what I've heard and learned here you are not going to start out with that kind of home time. From what you seem to be looking for I would start with those places that allow you home every day. Dumps, Well Services, Coca Cola or Pepsi Co. That is how I got my class B originally back in the 90's I worked in the wash bay of Universal Well Services cleaning the muddy sludge off the trucks. Drove them around the yard when done washing them. Job sucked, but was a little fun in hot summer months. Then I used their vehicle to take the test and drove for them after that.
That may be something to look at. I know there are some companies like that in Akron and the surrounding area. Just go in a let yourself be seen and known.
If you go OTR you are looking at a year at least of being out 14-21 days. It is however a good way to get experience and then you can be more desirable to the local companies.
Good luck on your endeavor!