It is tough for new folks to get started in a hot market.  

Hot market, competitive area.  

I met an agent that made a good impression but requires an exclusivity agreement (four months minimum).Would you sign such an agreement in the Bay Area hot market?

A lender might be able to help you out with some details on the financing of these homes.In terms of the market, now would be a great time to introduce tiny houses to the Austin market because of how hot the market is right now.

Hey Sean, I would recommend you check out my article on the subject: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/07/29/introduction-student-housing/ and my dad's podcast where he talks a good amount about student housing: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/09/17/bp-podcast-140-the-riches-are-in-the-niches-with-bill-syrios/.

Also lived in the West Loop near the now smoking hot Ukranian Village.

Once you have 2 within the city limits you become subject to rent control....and their rent control is very very restrictive.

Quite a bit has been written on this subject here as well.

If your criteria is specific and the property matches it, make the offer with an out clause like subject to inspection.

@Justin Prevatte  if the OP has free and clear properties IE the 16 are all owned out right then yes that would work for sure .. subject to finding a lender that likes the collateral and will lend.Small seconds behind large first are just a NO NO in the lending worldfor the very simple reasons you stated.see threads on BP about those that have been doing gap funding on rehab projects and the borrower goes dark and they are fubared.. loss of the entire loan is most likely out come.UNLESS your a loan to own guy.. and if this OP failed you fine stepping in and taking over the whole maryann..