Like everything else, there are tradeoffs.However, you mentioned being in an area with students, so SFH's in your area may operate more like multifamily units anyways with higher turnover.

When we do ours we check smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sump pump operation and overall condition but have not focused on cleanliness. 

I've been operating in Maryland for almost 20 years.I am Bigger Pockets Maryland agent as well.

I have only been looking at residential, single family, but today I found two commercial spaces (office) that would be a great fit for my growing day job business as a lactation consultant (currently operate just by doing home visits, but want a dedicated office space to see clients one day).

Although I would like to try to do it myself, crafting effective operating agreements is outside my comfort zone.

I haven't invested with them, but I had him on my podcast a while ago and felt he was a very solid operator with no fluff and good experience.

Operators already have relationships with the brokers and are much more likely to see an off market or "pocket listing". 

And your gambling a LOT of $ on trying something out, via purchasing a property to try the waters.     

However if your beneficiaries are your the priority  I would still recommend focusing more of your attention and resources on buying great real estate and being a great operator.

The biggest opportunity we saw with this property was operational and management efficiencies.