If you install, I wouldn't give access to tenants to monitor, We had outdoor cameras at a big complex I managed, people knew how to skirt them and was only the stupid ones that were actually occasionally caught, we had one in the pool area and that we used alot to monitor the swim area where it made sense.But they get wise, they rip the cameras out, or bust them up.I couldn't really see a reason for your size property,, I actually think it would make new tenants wonder why you would need them, as if the area was a WATCH ZONE..

We have found it nearly impossible to buy a house being self employed at this time.

I believe a lot of this has to do with your employer and the rules they establish with the company that oversees your account.I do not know how the SDIRA's work, but I'm not sure they can loan you money in the same manner.

If this was my project and you told me you weren't "using your insurance", and balked at filling out a w9 on what appears to be a job of significant size, I'd probably bail and try to get my deposit back as well.

Instead set a goal to replace your employment income with investment income.If you do not presently have a job you have already reached your goal. 

If you want to be in the rental market for students, it is ok, but the competition will be higher because the size.

It also sounds as though you did not do an LLC and choose to be treated as a Sub S corp, so the income will also come to you as Earned Income, and will also be subject to Self Employment Tax (although you might have already paid the maximum).I applaud your decision to set up some kind of system before you do anything like this again.  

I tried to talk to an employment lawyer for my wife once and she wanted $200 just to tell us if the details that we gave her are something we could even pursue.

Connect with others employing that strategy.  

Many municipalities have restrictions on the number of occupants permitted per bedroom, sometimes varying depending on the size of the bedroom(s).