To start your journey, I recommend focusing on building your network by joining meetups and engaging in online forums, while narrowing down your first investment based on your budget, market, and goals.

I envision this portfolio supporting me during my retirement years—though I still plan to work, just in a different capacity than I do today.I recently finished reading "How to Invest in Real Estate: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide" by Josh Dorkin and Brandon Turner, which has been incredibly helpful.

@Jacob HavlovickBigger Pockets is a great place to find a real estate tax accountant.A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

Would you recommend their realtor team for the buying process or should I look elsewhere? 

Whether you spend time networking, reading books, watching videos or connecting on bigger pockets or if you spend cash hiring a mentor, maybe partnering up with or doing free intern work for a real estate investor; whichever route you decide to go investing in yourself is one of the best investments you can make. 

I would highly recommend them. 

I stopped reading after your tenants letting people who are not on the lease live there.

I read the permitting process and it seems somewhat strict.

@Caleb Rehg  I would advise your first step is to search this site for college student rentals and student rentals and read all you can. 

For financing, I recommend you reach out to @Andrew Postell