We also networked IRL and learned tons of information from the forums and amazing community at Bigger Pockets.Though we live in Phoenix and it is the area we would most like to focus on, we just completed our first SFH in the Tucson market which led to negotiating our second project as we speak (both in the University of Arizona area). 

I live in a college town, Corvallis--Oregon State University, and I can tell you my campus close properties do outstanding!

LOLIf you are buying for appreciation alone just remember that Detroit was once the center of the universe!

Excellent location within a mile of a major Naval base and a college university.

There's a lot of development going on in College Park as they want to be a "Top 20 College Town" and there's a partnership between the city and the university that's making it happen.

Would you mind me asking if you know anything about either Tucker School of Real Estate or Real University?

I own 4 rental properties in a college town and rent to the students who attend the University.

It is home to Buena Vista University, which is a private university.

I came up through the skilled trades as a diesel heavy equipment mechanic by day and full-time college student at night all the way up to the culmination of my MBA in International Business from the University of Baltimore.

That said, anyone buying any deal, direct from a homeowner or from a 'wholesaler' better know their numbers - get help with that if you are new.This BP forum is a great resource, but I also find a lot of good info on what I call YouTube University.