I have actually have had the privilege to work with some pro athletes.

Quote from @Lenny Montesano: Hello to all,I am a 22 year old Husband/Father/student athlete at East Tennesee State University.

Just like professional athletes who still work with coaches to hone their skills, a real estate mentor or coach can provide you with valuable insights, shortcuts, and strategies that can help you avoid mistakes and fast-track your success.

I was a college athlete whenever I learned about BiggerPockets and really started my investing career.

I completed my AA in business at a 2 year school, transferred to a four year school to finish up my finance degree.

Use median household income by zip code (and school rankings, to a much lesser extent). 

They also benefit from strong schools, which can be a huge draw for long-term tenants.While you may not achieve high cash flow immediately in these areas, the property values and rents tend to appreciate steadily over time, aligning well with your goals.

You mentioned student housing - What schools are they near? 

Hey Andrew, welcome to the Forums.That’s awesome you’ve been learning about real estate since high school—starting early will really pay off.

I have two kids in middle school and I'm trying to get myself ready to retire by 55.