Zoning Issues - single family home for college rentals

I just learned that my first two deals are zoned for single family homes. My plan is to rent to college kids. I have a clause in my contract that I can back out if I need to, but that isn't what I want to do. I know for a fact that the whole neighborhood surrounding my deals is used for college rentals. They are all zoned for single family as well. What are they seeing/knowing that I don't. Perhaps I am reading the law incorrectly or others are in the game and not playing by the rules. I can get into more details if anyone can help.