i will pick up a day and a half more of work a week starting next semester, and 6-8 months from now i will be ready to buy.

You will have a very busy time right before the fall semester starts each year.I have 3 types of tenants- students (about 50% but dropping), young professionals (about 25% and rising) and the others.  

The leases don't all renew or expire at the same time, as I have some students on a 12-month lease, some on a semester lease (there's a monthly upcharge for shorter term leases).  

At the very least I will pay down my balance to about 30% utilization then speak to a lender to see if they recommend I pay off the balance since they will be the one giving me the loan.Actually the only reason I am in this much debt was because I had to put my last two college semesters tuition and book rental payments on the credit cards.

Not to miller your thread but if anyone is looking for something intellectually stimulating this winter you can view online for free an entire semester of Professor Shiller's Yale Finance class.

He was able to do a couple deals while he was over there for 2 semesters. 

The house has 4 bedrooms upstairs (being rented out to students @ 1950 per semester, they pay utilities), 2 bedroom downstairs @ 750 per month, and a one-bedroom rented out @ 650 with the landlord paying electric.

NMJC for example will take federal financial aid and 12-15 credit hours (that's full time) only runs about $1200/semester.  

My short term goal right now is to become familiar enough with the business to buy my first duplex while I finish up my last two semesters at school.

I have up until about May to have a new tenant or I basically need to wait until the next semester or school year.Ideally I'd find a new tenant, sign a new lease without showing the apartment (its a complete mess and I dont want to show it), and then give notification at 60 days.