My goal is to make a well-informed decision that not only helps with my mortgage but also provides quality housing options for locals or students in the area.Thanks in advance for your help!

Seems a bit high. 

Anything more will be high in fees

U did not comment on the high priced markets compared to low price markets ?? 

So lots of experience both good and bad.from my point of view seller carry back IE seller owns the property free and clear and wish's to owner finance.. this can be pretty safe in some states high risk in others.. whats the difference the difference is foreclosure time lines.

The appreciation for the property is definitely going to be long term and not short term, so selling now isn’t ideal.The property manager agreed to market it as a medium term rental, so we’ll try that, but it's new to both of us, and it seems like it would have to rent at $3700 to be profitable; does that seem too high to the folks here?  

I see that choice as high risk.  

The STR has high-traffic, people in and out every week, and the MTR doesn't have that high traffic but its about 180 miles away and I don't want any  issues when it sits empty for a week or two. 

An incredible infrastructure of subway, speedways and high speed trains to the rest of the country had help as well.If interested in investing in Madrid, I will be happy to meet and give specific tips and be your host in Real Estate subjects.RegardsDiego Martínez León

That's a pretty high cost for an investment that hasn't paid out yet and the returns are unknown.