Also any tips for automating this as much as possible and how to protect the property financially and property management would be appreciated.I ALMOST understand the rental arbitrage strategy if building a company scaling with say 30 + units and looking for high short term cash flow.  

Typically, we see anywhere from $600 to over $1000 per unit (maintenance and turn costs)  depending on these factors. 

Applicant credit scores should be treated with a high level of care and should not be handed out when they aren't assured that you are locking them up and taking due care with private and sensitive data.So, many places, including the screening company we used for years before moving to a PM, provide a suitability score rather than the actual credit score. 

We currently work with out of state investors and provide a full service approach which can be used by in state investors as well.When it comes to investing I'm currently in the process of closing on a partnered 4 Unit in Milwaukee WI.

Hi BP community - I'm an investor with 3 SFHs in the Nashville area looking to acquire my first small multifamily property (2-4 units).I'm trying to determine the best approach for the 25% downpayment, comparing using cash that is currently sitting in a high yield savings account to funds from a HELOC on one of my properties.

That level of service requires a professional commitment, which is why agency agreements are necessary. 

I intend to rent out the units by room to college students (does it sound like this would work in this area and what are some general tips/things I should look out for?).

We rehabbed the entire property and added an additional bedroom to each of the units.

House hacking might also be worth exploring—buying a duplex or small multi-family property, living in one unit, and renting out the others.

Your real estate agent will help determine what level of staging will make the most impact on your house and market.They can help you decide if professional staging is worth the investment, or if you can knock it out with their advice alone.