I've chosen not to invest in DST's, but let me chime in. 

I have chosen my niche which will be students flats.At the time I am studying construction civil engineering and I want to buy my first house next year (3 years left of school) in the big well known city among tourists and students in one of the european country.

Absolutely make use of all the online tools available throughout the processEvaluate resumes and reviews/recommendations from trusted resouces, peers and past clients (like you would on LinkedIn for example)Narrow down your search to the top candidates and schedule in-person interviewsChoose your top 3-4 final candidates and check referencesThen ask at least three to provide bids for your scope of work requiredEvaluate the bids and pick your top candidate...then there is one crucial step left...Make sure to take an in person look at the physical finished work your final chosen contractor has done recently.Like almost everything else in real estate, choosing a great contractor requires time and effort.  

Work the method of marketing that you have chosen and the deals will come.

In hindsight, I could have chosen to keep the properties I’d acquired and used a property management company, but I had no experience with that.

., started a family and am possibly looking into starting my graduate degree in January of 2017.I’ve been quite interested in entrepreneurship for a while now and have chosen Real Estate as the venture that I believe will launch me into an entrepreneurial career as well as trading in FOREX.

I have a lot to learn, but I am really excited to achieve competence in my chosen field!

If those people have a signed lease though also through October, to use the whole building then my question would turn to - Why would a closing date of Sept 20 be chosen if they have a legally binding contract to be in the building through October?

After 24 years on the road we want a new challenge and real estate investing is the path we have chosen.  

I agree about friends and business not mixing well but family maybe it depends on the relationship and dynamic of that family and which member of the family chosen.