I'm currently looking into a student housing system with an engineering/tech school where terms are 3 months on (in school) and 3 months off (at work). you end up with an A/B term where a group of students live in the house for Spring/Fall and Winter/Summer.

As an internet engineer by trade I've had this same thought as to how this is handled in the industry now and will do some more research and see what others are doing.I am working with a team to syndicate a 112 unit in our area soon so I will check with local providers and see what options are available and how I can add value in that space! 

I'm a engineer-in-training in Austin, TX who's interested in buy and hold real estate investing throughout the US.

Sometimes they do require having a "structural engineers" report for some loans. 

Structural work is a specialty and one that is achievable, but is not a quick turn around with most engineers.

@Robin White Contact the utility that serves your area/parcel and request that you speak to an engineer regarding what you propose. 

Per engineer estimate, the foundation needed to be lifted 2.5 inches. 

You start with zoning, architects and structural engineers.

I am a software engineer looking to invest $30-50k in real estate.

If you try to avoid this inquiry by depositing the money systematically in smaller amounts, that is called "structuring" and they have algorithms to detect this behavior and then they will really want to know the deal. again, if you're doing everything legally, then go to a bank and deposit your money and answer their questions honestly.