The Fair Housing Act does not have a training requirement for service or emotional support animals, and just about any sort of animal can qualify.  

Then it finally hit me that someone had been using it as some sort of multi family setup. 

Being a college student, you do not need to show two years of previous employment history, as being a student trumps any sort of required employment (you may have to provide transcripts).

I'd think the chances are good that most everyone in real  estate can pluck out some good information that could yield  savings many times over the cost of a book.That takes me back to see an accountant sort of, the more you know and understand the cheaper professional services might be.

If I have a little skin in the game, does that make a difference?

That sort of analysis helps put things into perspective when I am balancing different options.

Your advice here will help tremendously as I sort through various loan options. 

Not impossible but definitely difficult to sort out.

To go the private/hard money route, keep in mind those lenders will likely require you to bring some amount of the purchase price to the closing table so you'll have skin in the game.

@Chris Mason I did house hack my place in Tucson with a 3.5% down FHA loan, so it is possible, but I had to jump through all sorts of hoops and it was a pocket listing that I was offered.