Typically by the time it reaches the MLS, it is listed at retail value, and you're not going to get a screaming deal, although there are those diamonds in the rough and my team frequently does "fixer" deals off the MLS.

I could never guarantee that every student would find a deal but we have so many success stories and people have switched from investing in MF, MHP, Storage to office, retail, medical, industrial etc.   

We have some good ones here, and although the rehab wouldn't be as cheap as managing it yourself if wouldn't be full retail price either.

You are basically a retail customer at that point.

Anyone can go to any website of any big box retailer and see how unusual that is.

If looking into that market, I'd suggest starting there.

JamesI work with the loan programs through wholesale lenders so you wouldn't be able to go direct unless they have a retail side.

Is this pocket a value oriented area (most sq ft per dollar of rent) or will they care more about proximity to highways, retail, walkability?  

I suggest buying real estate inside of and outside of your IRA or better yet qualify for a Solo 401k then you don't have to worry about UBIT on leveraged real estate. 

Commercial Real EstateGermany's commercial real estate sector, particularly in the office and retail space markets, also offers solid opportunities.