If price are similar, as investor, I would pick the best high school - as it affects college admission. 

I am in college and pursuing a degree in Engineering, but I would like to change that degree into something more useful for my passion. 

Plus lack of networking which I believe is extremely important in college

Also most are highly educated who painstakingly went to college for many years.So at least the world I see counter argues with the world many “gurus” (guys who lecture to sell their books, videos etc) preach which looks down on the cubicle/ 9-5 culture and higher education (not to mention home ownership) but tells people to skip all of that “nonsense crap” and get right into RE as their fastest ticket to the country club.

I have just graduated from college and have been saving to purchase my first duplex within the next 9 months or so.  

It's not worth the fight.Do some research on lease agreements for college students with dorm-style living.

As a little background on me and my current financial position - I am a year out of college and have managed to save up a respectable amount that I intend to use to make my first REI.

You would pay thousands of dollars for a college education and think nothing of it. 

My folks still have our college house rented out on the east side of town towards downtown.My wife spent her college days in Oxford, if it's anything like Starkville (also rapidly growing), I'm sure it would be a great place for buy and hold.

For example, hire an assistant or find a motivated college student to deal with the online application/screening for you.