These steps are learning, looking at the market, getting your money ready, picking your plan, getting a team, finding a place, checking it out, making an offer, and handling your investment.

Lessons learned?

We have had a place there for a couple years and does really well, BUT we self manage and it is now kind of a hobby where we learn as much as possible and keep on learning.....If you do go this route make sure to theme the place, and make it stand out. 

I paid them for their time and had no problem doing it since they were not local to me so I couldn't exercise the option to try and work for them to learn the business. 

I am looking to learn and create specific strategies to create wealth in the medium to long term.

@Seth Baumgartner this thread on student rentals may be helpful:Nearing 1,000 College Students: Here's What I've Learned

Work closely with your real estate agent and other professionals to ensure a smooth transaction.Remember that real estate investing requires patience, diligence, and ongoing learning.

Lessons learned?

It would probably be a year or two before i could get my first investment property anyway. no downside, until i just learned it would be 4+ years for conventional loans.

Just listed yesterday so fingers crossed Lessons learned?