Get a rock solid contract with rewards for work completed ahead of schedule.

In my opinion the deal looks pretty solid.

Is this a solid deal to buy and hold for cash flow and own free and clear in 6 years?

Pick a solid B-Class suburban area.

Lenders will usually do the same as part of the vetting process for a property.Investors long term in the business that are property owners want to build a solid reputation of above board dealings.

That said, you live in a college town so if you're able to buy up some solid student housing at good prices, all the more power to you - it's certainly easier than having to build up a team from hundreds of miles away!

Oftentimes when people are stuck in analysis paralysis, part of that [fear] can be based on not having a solid enough education on what the heck it is you're doing.

I'd then take that cash and ensure I had a solid reserve account set aside. 

@Rich HupperPrice to rents are really solid, but I don’t have near the potential for appreciation like I suspect you do...

ReedThese books will help you get a solid understanding of sound investment principles that you can use to build your multi-family portfolio.