I was also thinking of a rental property near a university that is dependent on off-campus housing.

I have significant income that would probably qualify me as an accredited investor but I'm not sure if that matters to the crowdfunding sites, as I'm not looking to invest in other people's properties.

The housing market was crazy cheap there and you would not think that you could get that great of rent out of the building, however, there was a rental shortage due to the University and College.

I am hoping to fill rent the units by the bed, to graduate students as it is very close to a local university.  

I am at the beginning of my journey (I'm in the process of purchasing a small property in Davie, Florida near Nova Southeastern University). 

University in North Idaho and now living in Portland, Oregon, one of the best cities for real estate!

I am a student at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO.

Soon you went to the university and obtained a professional degree in architecture, but you never were able to get your license.After you graduated with your BArch degree, you worked in architecture firms for a few years and eventually took a federal job as an architect.

Just my opinion, and I know others will vary, but if I was your age, and I knew I wanted to get into real estate- I would go to real estate school at a local place (community colleges are usually well priced) and simultaneously seek someone accredited as a mentor in investing.  

I buy large apartment buildings in TX and GA and my offerings are available to accredited investors.Good luck.