As a full-time student living on campus, I’m looking for part-time opportunities that could help me gain some experience in the real estate industry while also make a little bit of money. 

Check Furnished Finder, Zillow, as well as AirBnb and VRBO (30+ day stays) to see what sort of competition is in that specific market.

Does any of your competition offer it all? 

Seller financing can be a fantastic way to get into a 4+ unit property, especially in a competitive market like Chicago.Have you started reaching out to owners directly or networking with agents who specialize in multifamily properties?

That means that there is now competition between hosts and you have to give people a reason to book your unit over another hosts.

And , since I had been working in an industry I really wasn’t passionate about, this was my chance to try an industry that I have had a passion for for the last 12 years or so.

Does not affect your debt to income for future loans in the mortgage industry (auto loans could look different, but i would think similar so hopefully no worries there). 

@Julie Doke: Industry specific software speaks to you and you can easily relate it to your day to day process.

If you’re looking to continue to invest in your backyard, it helps to network with as many locals in the industry as you can.

Collect cleaning fees and put more of the booking fee on the traveler if your rentals are in demand and it's the market isn't overly competitive.