Buying Property for future College Savings

[Jason Stephens]

Good Morning, 

I have been kicking the idea of real estate investing around for a good 15 years with no progress.  My wife and I recently started to revisit the discussion of how to get started.   Right now we are putting a large amount of money away every month for college savings for both of my children (aged 6 and 2).  Instead of doing this, I had the thought of buying two properties and have renters pay down the mortgage over the next 15-20 years enough that I can use the equity to pay for the education. 

Thoughts? Has anyone done something similar?  

Whats the best way to start?