I also read posts by others online who said that this is very common in large cities like Austin/Houston and college towns and that they advise to just keep renting the room and not cause any disturbance and that it will be fine as long as the landlord gets paid the rent monthly.

Competition doesnt exist...if it does. it doesn't matter!

It really feels like I'm part of a community than just another contributor on anonymous online forum . . .But I've been crunching a few numbers and feel there may be better opportunities in western MA, specifically in Hampden County including places such as Holyoke and possibly Springfield.

However details matter. 

I’ve found people could care less about my company name or logo if I have a good house they want to rent that’s all that matters.

Name shouldnt matter but may make folks feel comfortable. 

Hello,please, dont go flipping anything from hard money at this time. try door knocking, calling on craigslist, zillow etc to find wholesale dealssave up money then partner with an experienced flipper/rehabber on your first flip.until then, join local groups, meet 5 ppl a day in RE, build a network, provide value to them by supplying leads to them..via wholesale or even referral understand online marketing as well...thats the future, under how technology can be l leveraged in RE.so, you need to MARKET, NETWORK, & AUTOMATEfor now, start with marketing. kill it!!!

@Patrick O.Do you need local or will online work?

I haven't seen a 4-plex in Olympia for less than $500k and they only last a matter of a few days. 

I am based out of California, which makes me think if California is not the right market then it can be anywhere across the country since it doesn't matter.