I am fourth generation for a family owned management/development/consulting company based in Southern California but I am in Idaho for college around 9 months out of the year.

There are some that manage to find the money and the deals quickly when the market is just right (and they have plenty of cash), but most success is built slowly, over time.Increase earnings, reduce expenses, save up, invest.

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.

Get your hands a little dirty, and a little experience managing a project.

@Eddie Smithyou hire a good property manager and let them take care of it. 

I run a vacation rental company with about 50 homes under management, but I also have a nonprofit management background.

I would never want to manage 27 properties.

However, the other benefits of owning real estate are: - Taxes (depreciation/potential accelerated depreciation)- Appreciation (this is NOT always guaranteed, but over time, you will have appreciation)- Building equity (in this scenario, as long as rent is paid, you'll build about $140 monthly in equity)Please note some expenses that are missing from this are: - Management fees (8-10% on average, if applicable)- Estimated vacancy costs (2-3%)- Estimated repairs (5%)Disclaimer: I am a real estate investor and own four rental properties. 

Can you recommend any local property management companies that specialize in student housing?

Since I still have all my connections and family and friends over there, it’s fairly easy to manage long distance from NY.