Less Red Light and Speed Cameras, parking tends to be FREE. etc.As to areas, I would just suggest you use the MLS access that you have, run numbers on properties based on rent, and the usual expenses of Taxes, Insurance, Debt coverage, etc.Then once an area comes over as decent, check into if Landlords must "register" this is a new trend that provides a landlord with no discernible benefit but to simply pay a yearly fee to the municipality so they can line their coffers more.

I have looked a bit in Minneapolis but trying to stay closer to home for easier access since I am looking to self manage as well.

I have good friends that live a few blocks away.

My wife and I are currently looking to begin our real estate investment adventure but have a bit of an anchor that is blocking the path a little.

Yes they are within blocks of each other.

For what I seeing, the west side is the most popular for student housing, although, the areas are a block by block kind of thing.

I don't feel comfortable buying in an area I am not familiar with or would have to drive more than 30 minutes to access.

By the way I am certain that a broker (at least the established ones) have access to all the big banks as well.

And additional space is always nice Also, not a bad alternative to renting a smaller place and renting a storage unit that's inconvenient to access.

Basically if you end up FT at a REI, his take on it was you can have phenomenal advantages by being able to access healthcare for your business as a group (you and spouse qualify as a group) and deduct the expense.