A little factoid, Irvington is the original home of Butler University and was the home (For a short period of time) to one of the nations first serial killers.

It does not change your income tax rate, but it does determine whether you owe a 15% self-employment tax in addition to income tax.And the answer is case-by-case, there is no universal criteria. 

I'm interested in connecting with other investors and investor-friendly real estate agents, focusing in MTRs in Kansas City.I'm interested in a 2-bedroom house (SFR or duplex), ideally near hospitals and/or universities and research centers.Are there any real estate agents you would recommend from personal experience?

there are tons of good youtube videos about oxford house and check out the Depaul University research about oxford house. 

Indiana University Health is building a new hospital downtown so that could be a potential market, travel RNs.

Due to the university, the ordinances are pretty restrictive.

On top of that, you have one of the biggest and best universities in the world here with Ohio State University.

University Credit Union, UTUnivest Bank, $100k per line and 10 yr drawUpstate Bank in Rochester NY, LOC up to 80%US Bank 80%.

The only situation where I've seen it become successful is around the universities, specifically temple because of the amount of multi inventory.

The reasons are 1- less competition in commercial2- greater property types lead to more opportunities for “value added”3- commercial net income projections include expense for property management, 1-4 unit residential usually do not4- greater “universe” of properties to buy allow higher minimum return standards Of course residential is MUCH easier to successfully deal in, and with reasonable leverage has small downside risk, so I 100% agree that most investors should stick with residential.