I currently have about $30,000 I am planning to invest and I don't have any student debt, credit card bills, or "real" expenses (I live at home).

I would focus on over 5000 students. 

It worked like this: the student found a deal and did initial due diligence.

College Station is a fantastic market to consider—Texas A&M creates a steady demand for both student and long-term rentals, and there are solid multi-family opportunities here.

We've got a lot of med students at UAMS and students at Bowen Law as well as 3 major Amazon hubs.

Depends if you have other debt (car payment, student loans, credit cards).

If you’re looking for a good balance between appreciation and cash flow, there’s a lot of opportunity in suburbs to the west, including Adamsville, Forestdale, Pleasant Grove, and the like.If you’re open to nearby markets as well, Tuscaloosa could also be a fast-growing spot with strong student tenants worth looking into.

I have a mix of student rentals, multifamily, short-term and SFRs. 

I’ve also had a college student that I’d asked to do some charity work as payment for my mentoring.

To the East around Mercer University is just getting into downtown, this area is older with Class B housing but tucked in areas of newly remodeled areas for students back in the Class A range.