Of course, as an academic project, I'm looking for data that is free or offers a student discount, but at this point, I realize I may need to pay for the data because I am having a difficult time finding data on closed projects.

HR in hospitals and the campus housing office can be great sources for this, as can one of the "home exchange" web-sites dedicated to academics.

An academic or someone who has "been there done that" can tell me how to do it, but I usually will take the hard road. 

Without getting too academic about it - basically, to reduce risk you don't put all your eggs in one basket.I just reviewed my significant other's funds this week.

@David Baker thanks for the reply.Do you typically charge more rent per month for an academic year (8-9 month) rental to compensate for the assumed 3 month vacancy balance?

Without that pre-approval any of the other questions become academic and not the best use of your, or anyone else's, (for example a realtors), time.Once you know the amount you have to work with you can pick a market you are interested in, find a realtor etc. 

When you look at the "report," which is hardly academic at all, it ranks six factors for "best".  

I decided this, over some D1 XC schools, because, well, I value a higher academic level, than sports, but now here comes the fun part - well, what direction should I go in...Logically, business and finance (I love this stuff... financial modeling, analysis, etc) is the way to go. 

I decided this, over some D1 XC schools, because, well, I value a higher academic level, than sports, but now here comes the fun part - well, what direction should I go in...Logically, business and finance (I love this stuff... financial modeling, analysis, etc) is the way to go.

I'm guessing if we did a deep enough analysis, we'd find that markets find equilibrium, making it a ballpark wash.I finally found some decent quality academic research on FSBO v Realtor/MLS.