When I graduated college I went through this exact tradeoff... was living rent-free or I could househack and own a place that builds equity, but I would need to put into it every month. 

My spouse and I bought 2 smaller apartment buildings with a total of 14 units with a partner a few years after I was out of college.

We play games called, "lets show the property to a perspective tenant" and "lets go to closing together" and "lets deposit money in your bank account" and "lets review your college fund investments".

In addition, Abu sent all her kids to college -- some overseas!

The location is prime—adjacent to a college that has experienced 37% population growth over the past five years.

although I dont think it was a fraud situation I think it was some internal funding issue..

Depreciation is typically allocated according to the ownership percentages outlined in the partnership or syndication agreement, which are set in advance and follow certain rules under the tax code.However, some syndication structures can be designed with different classes of partners or special allocations, but these arrangements are subject to complex tax rules, such as the "substantial economic effect" rule under Section 704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Maybe a college rental semi-house hacking could be an opportunity.

Those are traits that are often internal to someone - not something you can easily coach.Often what I hear is that you should start off by owning your own home... and let that be your first investment.  

If this is your first job out of college, it could be a great opportunity to stack some cash and get those loans paid down.