Looking for input on 1) buying packaged parcels of homes as a group, 2) college student rentals, advantages, disadvantages, pros and cons, what to look out for.

What are the advantages and disadvantages etc?

I see more advantages than disadvantages of diversifying real property out side of one's area.  

The only advantage that quickly comes to mind is being able to view properties that are vacant.A possible disadvantage is that the if you are selling your own property, your broker will be legally responsible and will want to charge enough to more than cover the risk or may not want you to be under him.

It is totally unethical on top of that to reveal what should be kept confidential that creates such a disadvantage for the client. 

That turned out to be a good bit of work for me.I don't see any disadvantage to a 2nd/HELOC other than the risk that it might fall through.  

Also with HUD you can only owner occupy every 2 years.One disadvantage is that a house that you would want to live in might not be as discounted as is optimal for investing.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of using a real estate agent while wholesaling?

When you go to evict a tenant or sue  the tenant for non-payment who is going to sue and could there be disadvantages to not having a CAL?

BRRR ( Buy Rehab, Rent , Refinance, and Repeat ) :-)  Thanks @Jasmin Dover I've always wondered why people choose that avenue when a more effective route is the spread sheet I outline at the link below@Eric Brown can you comment on the tax advantages/disadvantages of the following spreadsheet scenario?