I then want to find away to house hack and start building a portfolio of rental properties.

@Aashrit LuthraI'm based in California so I understand how difficult it is to find a rental property that is cashflow positive.

Would also love to learn about flips and short term rentals. 

Even if newer buildings can't price rents as low as yours, they might offer amenities or modern designs that attract potential tenants.Local Economic Factors: Consider local employment rates, major employers relocating, or any changes in the local economy that might impact rental demand.2.

For a rental in my market that would be NEWER than average as most rentals were built 1890-1920.

Other option, be a person of solution on where they are going next, help them find a place rental etc., or get them lined up with a residence in and pay for it for the first month. 

Especially around that campus there was a lot of homes that needed love and would be great to hold as a long term rental.

There is rental demand in almost every city and town in WNY.  

He had smoke detectors in all rental houses.

I am trying to avoid STR as would prefer my first rental be a long term rental.