I am completely disconnected from all aspects of managing the property, which is a beautiful thing!

Sometimes there can be too great a focus on the here and now, which is obviously critical, but we sometimes pretend like in REI we shouldn't analyze where the market is headed.

One way to learn about some specific aspects of real estate is to get a part-time job at RE related industry, like property management company, book-keeping, financing, virtual assistant, anything you can have time to get into along with your schoolwork, even if you have to do it for free. 

Without going into detail, I cashflow $550 per month on this house.When her lease is up, I do want to increase her rent by 100-200 but to be honest, the human aspect of me is battling with the business side of me.

Love the honesty on the emotional attachment aspect.

I cannot stress enough the importance of placing good tenants in your property which is critical for your success.

You're an economics major so I hope you are seeing the signs that the economy is in a downturn in all aspects including Real Estate.

No different than a long term rental in that aspect. 

Looking to double the STR side this year, but interested in learning about all aspects of Real Estate. 

Even if you are living in one of the units, you can still take advantage of cost segregation to increase your cash-flow and decrease your tax liability in those critical first years of ownership.