Looking to buy my first what I think is a rental deal within walking distance to CMU campus, i really like the fact that it was student housing. 

Different ways to do that. 1- Keep doing what you are doing now by being active on BP, reach out to active people who participate and reply on BP2- Attend meetups. meetup.com is a great place.

This will give you ideas to strategize your participation.

What a 3 year thread bump - good topic nonetheless The thing that makes it difficult, if you're not working directly in the Real Estate field is this:- 750 hours needed on real estate activities (fairly easy to accomplish or skirt around)- material participation (this again is easy to accomplish or skirt around if you must)- 51% of time spent being active in real estate.

Looking to buy predominantly for student housing and/or Airbnb

College students could go one way or the other.

The rules for offsetting W2 income with depreciation write offs are very specific and relate to the level of participation and ratio of hours worked vs spent on your RE investment.

I don't get these rent-a-room house setups unless its for college students. 

My expenses and DTI are relatively low, with some current CC debt, student loans, and no car or car payment.

The rich get richer.That's our government "protecting" the people.It's too bad everyone can't participate in investments ike this.