Investing in College Towns

[Sean Slattery]

More out of curiosity than anything... I'm wondering if anyone has experienced success investing in off-campus housing? How do you choose a location? Problems with student/tenants? How's the ROI? Some good markets to investigate?

[Zach Quick]

@Sean Slattery I have some. Location needs to ideally be within walking or a 4 or 5 minute quick car ride to campus.  I have had no more problems with students as tenants than others, actually lately collections seems stronger with students.  They usually have loans, parents, grandparents who they can go to if they need cash for rent.

ROI is a wide open question and depends on how you buy. I wouldn't look at college markets to investigate outside of your area personally. There is a little more hand holding than normal tenants so I'm not sure I would want to cross that bridge in a market that I didn't know or have the most trusted boots on the ground. Also remember that locals usually scoop up these deals because they know what areas around college's are the most coveted...