I am co-owner of a company that provides EMD Lending services to wholesalers. 

Explain to the tenants that this will protect them from future large rent increases. 

A few questions:Did Zillow provide any reasoning for blocking?

If something goes wrong, you will ruin the relationship right along with the investment.If you do partner with family or friends, have a very detailed, written agreement to protect each other. 

There is a university nearby (within 0.4 mi)Any guidance you can provide?

If you already own it and it was a personal residence that you don't want to sell providing you live somewhere in the area, have an interest and understanding of your local rental laws and aren't in California (the laws) or Florida (the possibility of assessments) then self management is a possibility. 

Also, I'm assuming I'll need to setup an LLC to keep my personal assets protected? 

VA, Fannie, and Freddie will provide additional guidance.

Will trade golf lessons for mentoring 😁 @Joshua Ostler As a professional golfer, your background may provide you with an advantage over other investors.

We review a multitude of data sources to provide a real-time view into a real estate marketWhile a data-driven approach is useful to narrow down all the options, having boots on the ground (i.e. agent or contractor) is always important for due diligence