A Roth IRA (which is particularly advantageous when you are young and plan on earning more later in life thus disqualifying you from contributing), will be passive enough that you can handle from wherever and focus on your schooling if need be.

The reason for those areas they have great schools and you may be able to find a student that you can rent to.

I personally wouldn't invest in student housing although UT is a commuter school. 

I'm looking for neighborhoods with schools, hospitals, and/or large companies nearby.

There are handymen that will school your *** and have been licensed longer than you.

My fiance is in dental school for a couple of more years, so we're just now to maintain flexibility until we know where we are going to settle.

@Jenna Herr are schools your only priority?

It should have good schools, a good government that protects private property rights, and a legal system that treats Landlords fairly.

See that's the thing...a low crime area with better schools / nicer properties will have much lower cash flow than higher crime areas, but a better chance for appreciation.

I have built up my stock portfolio enough to cover all costs for purchasing my first 4 unit multifamily and will do so once I graduate from school.