Condo: Condos may offer maintenance benefits, while homes provide more control.Size and Layout: Ensure the property accommodates your child’s needs and potential roommates.HOA Fees and Rules: If considering a condo, check for restrictions that may impact student living.4.

I just want to check before I proceed.

Do you check Landlord references?

Not in all cases but more often then not.Additionally you have to have solid management who is checking on the property at a minimum once per quarter as many times I find these tenant don't always report issues timely.  

Any advice/recommendation/similar experience is appreciated.Aloha Jinxiang,  I would check with your insurance carrier anyway before filing a claim.   

If you own the balcony (check CCRs, I have a unit where I don't own my private balcony) then it is all part of the unit.As an owner, you're on the hook for the actions of your tenant.

Go out to AirBNB and VRBO and check the area where you are looking.

I use problems like this to go an check out the problem and then the entire property while I'm there, looking for other problems, but also assessing HOW the tenant is taking care of the property.  

Because instead of collecting one rent check per month, you’re collecting multiple payments from different tenants.

I'll definitely look into the book by Pace Morby and check out his YouTube channel and Facebook group.