We are working on a 50/50 split where me and my team will do all of the work while the investor provides the funding (either cash or financing).

Takes less than 1 hour to set up and is low cost.

For someone who is going to be a hands own operator and rely on real estate as their full time employment in lieu of a W2 job, or foresees that transition at some point,  buying the entry level low barrier assets can serve a useful function.

I'm thinking about buying a unit from Lowes or Home Depot myself and then finding someone to install for me.

Hard or private money would both suit your needs, depending on how many funds you have to contribute.

The Sale Price vs List Price in Springfield is some of the highest in Massachusetts, but looks to have possibly been influenced by the low sales in January and has quickly come down below 1%.

Seems like it performs well but will have low value when it is time to liquidate.Now, there could be value in it being a successful business, but it has low assets so it would take someone who understands what they are buying vs a pure investment.

@Bonnie Low if you have an international student they will have an SSN if they will be paid by the university or sometimes get an ITIN to open a bank account. locally you may be able to search by name in local databases but it isn't usually helpful.

On the Rent Redi app, it states a ACH Return has been posted due to insufficient funds. 

Generally low crime.