Otherwise, i am setting up a meeting with a mortgage lender ASAP that was recommended to ma by another investor to see if she can finance a deal like this for purchase. 

Once you have a good and reliable set of contractors, you should be okay.

We're going to have to do some upgrades to the unit to get the next set of tenants so we're currently saving up to be able to do that before we stop renewing their lease.

Cannot imagine changing the names and setting up accounts (most with first timer fees) for students every year, or in some cases 8 months. 

I highly recommend attending these sales, learning how they work, and networking with other investors.There are definitely deals to be had at private auctions because the auction company pre-qualifies all sellers and they will not be wasting their time with sellers who set unrealistic reserves. 

My plan is to continue my real estate education for the next 3 months, and in the meantime I would like to set up weekly coffee/lunch meetings with local professionals and like minded Real Estate Investors to grow my Network.  

We haven't set any expectations as to what will be done so the door is open for opportunity.I've come to the conclusion that if I want to make any deals happen within the next year, I'm going to have to use creative financing. 

Just get a Buyer's agreement where the buyer pays a set commission rate for off market properties you bring him.  

Try to set up at least 1 listing appointment (I'm only dialing to sellers). 

Imagine having a  fund all landlords contributed to, set up by landlords, to legally process all evictions and collections.