Find them through Google and meetup.comYou might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing.

The alternative is having the owner call the utility company and provide a deposit then get billed for usage and have the deposit returned by check once the new tenant takes over service.In my opinion, It is only a good idea to rent furnished homes when the property is a short term rental, executive/luxury home, or a student rental and you don't care what happens to the furniture.  

It is near a university so I am hoping for grad/law/medical students or mature undergrads.

With a large number of higher education facilities in the area, the student population is ever-increasing, making the need for housing on the rise.According to an April 2015 RealtyTrac report, the Metro East shows as an area of “High Return” compared to all U.S. markets.

I think in any profession it's easy to throw your "Biases" into a  scenario but ultimately  your client is paying you for your experience in laying out the pros and cons and then letting him/her decide....

Right now, I don't have that much money to put down and I also have a lot of student loans.

You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing.

You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing.

I am pre-qualified for an FHA loan.Goals: Supplemental incomeEventually growing to a retirement planPositives: Excellent credit: ~800Zero debt – no student loans or long-term credit cardAble to save ~$1000 per monthNearby universities, cities, and beach towns make properties more rentable (?)

My target market are room rentals for students and young professionals.