I am putting in new light fixtures and replacing some trim, that with a show quality cleaning and I think it will be ready.Just a note on your project be sure and check out your contractors.  

@Shawn Daniel - Unless you will be using the ole "get-it-under-contract-in-the-name-of-the-business-and-then-sell-the-business" method, you really don't need an entity at all.Some people use this somewhat cumbersome method to wholesale REO deals that are not assignable.  

These institutions play the role of the investor and insure the bank that is lending credit a method of compensation as long as the loan has been underwritten correctly and closed legally regardless of whether or not the borrower defaults on it years later. 

The method I had in mind, other than Craigslist, was a local publication.

I'm dead-sold on building a rental property portfolio when I come back to Texas in 2015 sometime to the DFW area.Can anyone recommend a method to hone my deal-finding skills while abroad? 

It can be really hard work and have lots of ups and downs but I certainly wouldn't trade owning real estate for other methods of creating wealth

So, what method of financing would work best for a student like me?

I will definitely do more research and gain a better understanding on the various methods of financing.

The researched methods I use to purchase and resell mobile homes are not well known nor are they advertised anywhere on this site.With all that said learn as much as you can about these acts and how to avoid breaking the laws.

@John Tan,I use Timing the Real Estate Market using the Campbell Method by Robert Campbell.