Lowering rent in exchange for labor is a slippery slope (pun intended).

Pun intended?

It's so much more expensive now and there is a lot more BS (pun intended) in college than actual learning these days.I have two kids, one is going to college and the other may not due to their specific goals.If your goal is financial independence or wealth, don't go to school to 'find yourself' and go heavily in debt that will hold you back the rest of your life.

@Brandon Turner it's a good thing I love puns, otherwise I would have had an aneurysm!

More and more companies are pushing the self showing lock box so there potential tenants can access the property virtually anytime (no pun intended there).

You already have a lot of tools in your toolbox....no pun intended.Now, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categoriesREI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

You already have some tools in your toolbox....no pun intended.

It is very much like making that first jump off the diving board into a pool and using that as a springboard (pun intended!)

Jetted the crap out of it(pun intended) and up and running for the last 4 years.

I'd bite the bullet (pun intended) and put them on, if I were you, but check with your insurance people, because some insurance policies won't allow you to have security bars, and those that do, say only on some windows and one door.