In your situation, it sounds like the primary focus for you is more a quality of life play (reducing your commute time), and the STR may allow you to break even cash flow wise? 

Some lenders might offer more favorable terms if the property is part of an affordable housing program.By combining grants, specialized loans, and local programs, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for renovations and improvements while supporting affordable housing in your community.

These deductions reduce your taxable income, which helps maximize your profits.Finally, real estate provides diversification for your investment portfolio.

I'm working on various projects to get it ready to rent and reduce the immediate capex expenditures once a tenant is in there. 

Reduce local building expenses, fees, encourage investments where people want to be.

Recently, I had one of my units evaluated by a property manager, and he suggested that I could potentially earn around $2,000 per month for one of my units in a 4-unit property located just north of the campus.

As a frequent Airbnb user, I personally wouldn’t choose a place just because an influencer recommended it.If you’re compensating in perks, that might work, but if I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t spend my hard-earned money that way.

During this time, you'll only be paying the interest, which means your payments won’t reduce the loan principal.

Paying down your mortgage may reduce the entire term of the loan and save you thousands if you actually hold the property that long without refinancing. 

After accounting for social security and other investment income like IRA/Lifeinsurance/Stocks (of which was made possible because of real estate cash flow)  my mother would be classified as part of the1% and earns a corrsponding Passive income.