If you haven't already, a professional eviction service might offer additional strategies for dealing with difficult tenants and can coordinate with law enforcement to ensure safe access for inspection.Hiring private security for a short period post-eviction can help ensure safety.

The occupancy requirement would be to qualify for the loan initially, not a stipulation for any set period of time.  

Looking to see if this might cashflow, or any wisdom from someone who may know the area to see if holding for an extended period of time (10 years) would be a good investment.

No idea on the notice period required, depends on your lease and your particular state laws. 

This work well for a period of time until one day, shockingly, a Lo Ball Ho offer was accepted!

I got into this niche due to the low entry cost and the potential for great returns in a short period of time.

Particularly when you have a decent base of monthly to live on, a periodic large chunk of tax-free money is perfect to maintain and even continue to grow your wealth in retirement.

My main goal is to increase overall value within a 5yr period, to cash out at a higher valuation to get some money back.

Work with a good property management company who will get co-signers from parents (parents are typically paying rents) and be flexible around subleasing, especially during summer periods because students go home and do not always stay for summer time; this can still be a 12 month lease.

If your plan allows - you may be able to take a loan FROM your 401k; the loan is limited to 50% of the balance, or $50, whichever is less, and must be repaid over a period of 5 years.