I am still taking classes mostly because I am a few credits shy of a degree but I hope I don't have to use it.

I also have an associates degree in business and accounting.Since I was a teenager, I was always interested in real estate.

@Chris Clothier  my points are directed at ANY mid west deep south rust belt major city and sub 50k rentals  it goes to the very long debates we have on BP about the risks involved with these homes... in some markets just a touch higher will pop you into something safer but in general.. as you state its not reality that ANY rental in almost any part of the country will perform to the degree that one can count on consistent reliable non interrupted income stream... that's my point.. so when you have folks think they can buy 10 like the OP said and get 4k a month like its a bank CD they need to understand you you and others point out it just does not work that way.

Do you have a two year history in your line of work, or in college working on your degree?

Congratulations on your new degree. 

Ie, most residences have a no-business clause in the lease, yet most people nowadays perform some degree of their work nevertheless in the comfort of their home.

Though credentialed with a degree in real estate, I have not seriously pursued this effort for my own self interests.

Did you think to take a picture of the thermostat set to 40 degrees? 

At the time I was finishing my degree so I decided to attend the local REI clubs where I was in Riverside, CA.

The good thing is, your college education will count towards your experience once you start working in the field of your degree, allowing you to make a purchase sooner than the 2 year work history requirement.