If it's a college rental I'd bullet proof the kitchen and bath room, especially the flooring and plumbing. 

There may even be a way to do what you described above safely, if your attorney says it's OK and he/she can make the contract bullet proof. 

At 25 years old where is my energy/ investment best placed in regard to getting started and generating passive income.

Keeping 15% of your deals and not being able to use the "knowledge" you gain for 2 years - I'd say you dodged a bullet.

I wrote about it in a blog article for BP here:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/colossal-failWhile this deal did have a recourse loan, my primary motivation was taking a bullet for my investors. 

Finally bit the bullet and upgraded to Pro!

@Steven Cowles  If you have done 12 successful Flips, I'm surprised you are so hesitant at your ability to achieve a successful buy and hold to be honest.  12 flips is a great accomplishment and you should take that energy and confidence into your buy and hold investment.  

Electric dryers and water heaters consume a lot of energy. 

I don’t feel bad about taking advantage of the tax credit (from the GW Bush presidency some may be surprised to learn;)), because every form of energy is heavily subsidized, not just solar. 

I have spent my entire career in the energy industry and that is definitely an area of expertise that I am willing to use an asset in potential partnerships.Tom