It's a great idea to do in college with limited cost and downside.

Yes, entitled tenants with unreasonable expectations can be an annoyance, but you are dealing with one of the biggest most important aspects of a person's life (where they life).

When Trump did it we ended up with the biggest deficit of all time, well before the pandemic. 

The biggest change in terms of lending programs id say is fannie's changes to allow for 5% down for 2-4 units.

The biggest key to self-management is being EXTREMELY PROACTIVE.

I can tell you the biggest thing is as long as you run your numbers tight and have good contractors you can be pretty successful at it.

The biggest mistake is not truly understanding the exit strategy.

The major downside is you'll have to filter through a few scammers and fake gurus.I recommend (on your own) doing as much research and legwork as you can.

On of the biggest scams/ money maker in the country , 

I think screening will be your best friend if you go this route to prevent the most headaches. 2) I'd say the biggest problem renting by room is potentially laws about unrelated persons living in same household.