It’s a slow start but it’s how we got started and it’s just as exciting!

Interest rates are still low, I'm assuming you would be able to swing the 20% down to avoid PMI, and qualify for a pretty affordable fixed rate loan product.

LTC/LTV restrictions: "Loan-to-cost" and "Loan-to-value" restrictions will vary by lender, but lenders are generally within 5-10% of each other for a given product type.

There's no right or wrong way to do it and I wouldn't let this slow you down. 

Is buying my first property as a SFH going to slow down my time-line to financial freedom?

With modern pest control for termites, roaches, and mice the state-of-the-art products are all bait systems which you really don't want to use unless you already have a problem. 

I've been doing this for several years now and feel pretty confident I can continue with no problems, even if the demand slows down.

I think college students will start to become more picky and will want more space, nicer amenities and nicer housing (especially if mom and dad are paying for it).If you are an operator that provides a superior service and product, I think you will be fine.

Then construction started 8 years ago and in the last finishes. ( I took this long because husband decided to self build, self fund, and started adding too much detailed work that slowed down construction, he basically was building for himself, his forever home.)

Then construction started 8 years ago and in the last finishes. ( I took this long because husband decided to self build, self fund, and started adding too much detailed work that slowed down construction, he basically was building for himself, his forever home.)