I have practiced real estate and this is my third personal investment so I am more savvy than most, some people really would get screwed out of a good deal in a process like this for no good reason.

(also this thread on student rentals might be helpful: Nearing 1,000 College Students: Here's What I've Learned )

Also if you have a college around you may find a special posting site, ours has one just for grad students. 

College towns are often always booming and have a lot of demand.

Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate the process.Start by understanding the local real estate market.

The book provides practical advice and insights, making it a great starting point for beginners.

I believe I can invest and then take out whatever I have to pay the IRS next year so at least it makes me some money before I part ways with it.My long term goals are just to wealth build with my cash.I dont plan on needing anything for another house, college, etc any time soon.I may buy a car and travel but again I can take that out of the brokage account when I needed so at least it makes some money till then. 

Myself and family truly loved the property and house; just want others opinions on if this may be a mistake to proceed, or does this appear common practice for the age and location (upstate New York). 

Just wondering what common practice is for most other investors who invest out of their home state. 

@Brian Barch I completely agree, for someone who's scaling or who has a demanding primary job, it's not practical to be spending your time sending a bunch of Zelles or Venmos.