Student rentals are a different beast and have to be evaluated differently as turnover needs to be timed and management needs to be correct for this product.

Nothing to do with ethical or politically correct reasons.2 contractors, both same years in industries and both have identical knowledge and skills.One has one leg the other 2.I am hiring the one with 2 legs, because he will probably be faster, less likely to get injured on the job, etc. etc.These are just facts.

If and when the economy corrects many smaller tenants will likely go bust (I'm not in this space but it feels like sound rationale).In a correction people will cut back across the board but the last thing to go is food and shelter so I see MF as a much safer investment. 

I have yet to see a accurate scope of work and bidding numbers for renovation cost.

Is it worth getting under contract and doing inspections and contractor bids?

I just recently bid on a HUD home .

So find out from the county the total amount due and figure that in with your bid. 

I can't seem to determine how much it could sell for if it was all fixed up correctly.

They can bid more than we can and still turn a better profit than we could at our lower bid. 

If it’s priced correctly for the condition of the house that roof and water heater condition should be built into the price.