I'm a newbie and still practicing doing the analysis and want to see if I'm on the right track.  

As an example, I could get $1700 for a 2 bed/ 2 bath near Girard College back in 2018.

Short (practical) answer: No.Long answer: You could, but you will need some unusually great compensating factors. 

Just like you have been trying to get into arguments about there being no GC whatsoever that can be hired to work on a limited scope of supervising a project and/or construction personnel when this is a practice that has literally been going on every day and has been in effect probably before you were born (well, maybe not you!). 

I see you mentioned student housing, if you are planning on investing around a college or university definitely check if said university has any information! 

What is the standard practice in terms of amount and terms?

This has become a best practice for all of our homes now regardless of their location.

Ideally, I'd like to buy a more practical car for managing my rental (something with more storag space) later this year. 

At least in terms of rent, college students are paying 1100 - 1600 to rent by the room.

@Derek MorrisonI would speak to your real estate attorney before making a decision on your leasing practices.