Although these places rent slightly higher they are substantially more expensive to purchase so I feel as through the sweet spot is 2-5 miles from campus.Students usually like places with a lot of available parking (covered or garage preferred) and pools are liked by many but not all.

if I spot you, I'll be sure to say hi.

If anyone is from coal country or knows of a good spot to take a look at I'd appreciate a heads up. 

Special spot.  

Cash or cashier's checks ready to go on the spot.....And backup list of other properties in case you don't get the one you want.

I can spot a water leak from the water bill, tell you how much life is left in the roofs of each unit, and which hot water heaters are going to need replacing in the coming year. 

@Alex Shaughnessy  Andrew is spot on.  

All of you have been in my spot at one point in time, and I am eager to get my feet wet. 

Hi Steve -- I started using an online electronic payment system a few months back on one of my out of state properties. 

There's a sweet spot ("not busted and torn apart, but also not not updated and current... juuuust right") where the property is traditionally financeable, but severely neglected.