Nice to see a planted seed start to sprout. :-) Communal living on one side would mean that you could self-manage and not have to give up one of the bedrooms for an in-house manager, and yet not actually have to live with the students.It would have been extraordinary if you had found seller financing.

4 folks you need to know of, a Realtor,  a title plant, a lawyer and a finance guy.

Currently work as a Control Room Operator at a large power plant in Northeast Arkansas.

I am currently a Plant Manager, and would like to some day be in a position where I can invest in real estate full time.Second, as you said, this is not a relationship forum so I would appreciate someone giving me advice on my original question.

(at the right price)  He's known locally as the guy who buys stuff no one else will, and presents occasionally on how to buy property across from a sewer treatment plant on the railroad tracks with a shared driveway. 

Proximity to "the cute downtown area", shopping, expressways, big roads, close to parks, noise issues, close power lines/treatment plants/etc. - Schools: Are some of them located closer to "the good school" in the area?

The beef plant helped tremendously with the rentals! 

I'm new to BP as well... my great grandparents from Germany and Denmark planted our family out in Elgin. 

I would be very cautious of water treatment plants as it has to be tested very frequently, at least thats what I have found, plus the enormous expense if there is problems.9 homes over 4 acres?

I understand and have high value on flow, texture, space, color, end user/consumer, and general aesthetic.