This could help them remain profitable while scaling.

A single family with permits for 7-8 students may be more profitable than a 3 units with two beds in each unit.

This also makes it easier to either gain a larger profit if flipping or room to do a cash out refi if holding.

His profitability with the current properties has capped & he wants to get out before things hit the downturn.

-Zach Lemaster - CEO Rent To RetirementHere are some past threads that may help your research: https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/ZacharyCole/referenceshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/765347-rent-to-retirement-reviewhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/1116050-a-huge-win-with-cori-from-rent-to-retirementhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/850/topics/895660-my-first-investment-property-an-out-of-state-dealhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/1047543-big-profits-from-new-construction-sfr-build-in-cape-coral-flhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/983659-first-investment-property-with-rent-to-retirement?

Keep things as organized as possible too, so you don't miss anything and that will help create a system for future deals, making it easier each time. 

Below is a diagram illustrating the three main tenant segments in Las Vegas.If you unknowingly purchased a property that attracts the Transient tenant segment, turning a profit will be nearly impossible due to high vacancy costs.

Get an estimate of what the property will rent for and see if it will be profitable.

I just don't see how this works out profitably in the current market.

By charging below on rent, you're losing profit, and by overcharging, your properties may end up sitting vacant, which ultimately will cost quite a bit.