I was originally going to just get myself an agent but now I'm wondering if it would be beneficial for me to learn how to be an agent and get licensed?

But it can still be very beneficial. 

If their previous lease was long term, you need to honor the terms of the previous lease until it expires OR negotiate with the tenant to mutually terminate the previous agreement and enter into yours.

You would be much better off investing in mutual funds.

It's extremely beneficial to have goals set so you can plan out the next few years.

I have a finance degree and I'd say that has been beneficial for me although I don't work in the field. 

Familiarity with the process, vendors and their functions, documents, local laws and REI terms by going through the process would be beneficial. 

If you are worried about the due on sale clause, create a Land Trust for the property where you are the initial beneficiary, then make a quiet assignment of beneficial interest to the LLC later on.Create a multi-member, manager managed, holding LLC in a state like WY (great charging order protection) that will be the single member of your two LLCs.The majority member of your holding LLC will be your living trust (ie you).

Maybe attempt to secure a pre-arranged agreement with the university before buying it that would be beneficial to you.  

Does he have certain skills or education that could be beneficial for the business?