The school system in Nutley is much better in my opinion.

If you're going to go "all in" on REI and leave school, you're better off focusing your efforts on 1 or 2 avenues. 

He finishes law school in May at which time his lease ends (unfortunately he's not gonna be a real estate attorney) This place is in a great location with tons of potential for a great Airbnb property & ARV but definitely needs upgrades (close to college, hospital, airport, huge backyard w/ deck built around hot tub, a pond w waterfall, wood burning fire stove, etc) I personally know the homeowner from when he graduated w my brother & my dad was his hs baseball coach so I reached out to him and acted like I was interested in possibly renting it next if I couldn't find a place to buy first.

Is it a negative to buy a rental right next to a high school?

The property is on Pawling Ave just north of the Emma Willard School.  

They were not the usual suspects...moms carrying babies, retirees, young couples just out of college (some still in high school I think!)

I will also add that some of the surrounding Austin areas have great schools(Cedar Park, parts of Round Rock, and many others). which will be desirable to quality renters. 

I went to school at EIU, students had places they wanted to rent, even though it might have been a little farther away.Then honestly compare the different units AND their layouts.An awkward layout can kill people wanting to rent a place.What is your competitive advantage compared to the other local rentals?

My main parameters for LA and around LA is decent school zones and above average income, but this houses come with a high price tag that kills your cash flow (unless a good deal is found and there's always a good deal somewhere).Thanks everyone for your input, please feel free to message me suggestions and send friend requests

Pasadena has basically two sides, but are both attractive because of the schools.