I currently own an Akron student housing, right near the university. 

Credit scores are tricky because there could be items like medical debt or student loan debt that weighs the score down. 

The STR loophole is all about “material participation”.

I will ensure my attendance and look forward to participating.

Aside from this any recommendation about groups that  should join or actively participate to maximize my reach?

The LP still has to meet the material participation rules in order to take full advantage of the depreciation losses even if they meet REPS. 

And a lot of start-up companies are migrating to this city as well, because of the efficient costs of living, the OSU campus that has thousands of students graduating and looking for jobs locally, and the availability of land.

Just gotta keep being a student. 

So I have gained so much from just participating at a fairly low level for a few years, but the people I've met and things I've learned have proved invaluable. 

If you materially participate and the rental qualifies as a STR you should be able to take advantage of bonus depreciation on a STR.