The most comprehensive guide I've found is at https://www.therealestatecpa.com/guide-to-qualifying-as-a-real-estate-professional (no affiliation)

Most of our tenants are affiliated with either Harvard or M.I.T. but we also get academics associated with BU & Tufts.M.I.T. = 11,934 graduate & undergraduates this past academic yearHarvard = 21,119 degree students this past academic yearBoston University = 32,462 graduate & undergraduates this past academic yearLesley University = ~ 6,600 graduate & undergraduates Tufts = over 12,000 graduate & undergraduatesBrandeis = 5,558 graduate & undergraduatesI would contact someone in the off-campus housing department of your local university to find out what the need in your local area is.

Would I need to be affiliated with a brokerage in order to represent myself as a buyers agent?

There are many great articles on this subject (I have no affiliation with any of these):https://www.renofi.com/learn/r...https://www.thisoldhouse.com/h...https://www.investopedia.com/a...That being said, these ROI numbers are arguably more relevant for owner occupants.

There are really great PM's affiliated that can get the job done well!

Pacific Manufactured Homes (No affiliation) can do all aspects.  

The best deals that I come across have come from investment associates affiliated with investing firms.

I'm not affiliated with them, but I do recommend the service, and my clients have found immense value in it.

nice affiliate link post!

You may still have options to join a NAR affiliate and have access to the MLS (our office is not NAR, but some are), if that is important to you.