After a year of it being a primary residence I could renovate the finished basement to make it an appealing 3rd unit with 2 bedrooms.

The unlimited exponential returns through BRRRR are very appealing.

Read that curb appeal issue.Just my thoughts.Good Luck!

So the ability to have access to those funds like a credit card sounds like it appeal to my needs better.

The numbers were more appealing than our local market How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I also saw the really shabby backyard as an opportunity (as a then and now landscaper) to add massive “curb” appeal back to the property that the flipper wasn’t willing to spend.

The investor will offer the following:Cash transaction;A quick sale closing with no inspection; andYou can leave behind any items you don’t want.The problems begin when the homeowner is elderly, alone, and doesn’t know the true market value of their property:They may have purchased their property over 20 years ago for $50,000, $100,000, or maybe $200,000.That same property now could have a market value of $300,000, $400,000 or even $500,000.The idea that they purchased the property 20 years ago for $120,000 and are now being offered $220,000 sounds appealing to these homeowners – their mortgage might be paid off and they will make $100,000 – sounds good right?

Some of these are happening simultaneously.1) You find yourself wanting to get involved in real-esate2) you need to educate yourself on the many different techniques, or as you feel your way through you realize its overwhelming and you want to just pick an easy way but you realize you still need education.3) You need to find which method of REI sounds appealing/within your means (maybe you have money but not time, or time but not money, maybe this is your primary income or a side hustle...)

To my understanding there is a decent amount of students/grads living off-campus so it is safe to assume they are options out there appealing to the students.  

The older buildings with low ceilings and outdated access points appeal to only certain types of tenants.Hope it helps.