Whatever you do, don't let a bunch of strangers on the internet make life decisions for you.

Hi @Tyler Veres Agreed, gone are the days when if you didn't get a place to rent by Jan/Feb then you'd be rooming with a stranger in a dump miles away from campus. 

Now, a total stranger, yeah, I could definitely see that.

Also, my husband is worried for me going into strangers homes when knocking on doors (i.e. - people unleashing their dogs on me, etc.)

See this is why I love BP, look how awesome and honest these responses from complete and RANDOM STRANGERS!

Don't expect them to fill it out in front of you - they don't know you - you're a stranger - you could be anyone.

I chose real estate investing over heavy stock market investing because I believe the outcomes of my investments in real estate are directly correlated to the work and dedication I put in them (something I am no stranger to as a former biochemistry major). 

This is the market where you need to trust strangers the least. 

They don't need to get caught up on repairsNo need to fix things upNo need to have the house ready for strangers coming through to look at any timeYou can help suggest movers/ packing/ yard sale facilitatorsYou can do the final clean-up and disposal of unwanted items.Good luck. 

"  Me , there is NO WAY I would rent a room in my house to a stranger that I have no connection with , either personally or thru a friend .