While I have observed some people lacking in experience and knowledge successfully syndicate deals, usually through heavy investment in promotion, “creative” massaging of their “resume”. and “slick” marketing, the end result never was a happy experience for those investing in these syndications.  

But to be fair, I have spent a great amount of time very recently trying to help another professional 20 years in experience ahead of me bail out of a mistake I NEVER would have made.

But I would remain open to long-term rental as an option as this seems like a more stable option in terms of income, again this may be my inexperience talking.However, I have always  been somewhat risk averse and investing in real estate is always a big venture, in my opinion/experience, in terms of capital.

I don't like to dock agents "points" for inexperience as long as they are learning/eager to learn and have the hustle. 

Expect to work at least 60+ hours a week for the first year and make little to nothing for 6-12 months.You dont want to risk making mistakes due to inexperience or lack of knowledge by starting out on your own.

College kids can be tough on properties—think wear and tear from parties, late-night shenanigans, or just inexperience with basic upkeep.

., not being taken advantage of/overcharged by virtue of my inexperience).

No matter where you are in experience, I would love to help point you in the right direction as well as offer insight into can!

This is why the moment I hear a hungry-realtor saying how they want to get out there and get with a client like yourself because there going to make "oh so much commissions" or that an agent works with "all investor buyers" I just giggle and walk-on, because that's just a declaration of ignorance and inexperience. 100%, what your doing as an active value-shopping investor, going for small-"pop" properties, it either (a) isn't worth an agents time because it simply does not pay enough for the work involved or (b) the agent is too green to know this and than, since they are so green, there no-good at it anyways. 

Part of my issue was not having a reasonably priced handyman ahead of time and eventually overpaying to just get it done and also inexperience as a manager.With that said, you essentially have two options: very cheap properties in less good areas (you're looking at 100k or less--which you might have trouble getting a good lender for)  or trying to do some sort of house hack (e.g. live in flip, live in rent by the room, multifamily) where you budget will be closer to 200k-300k.Personally, I would not look at real estate until you are maxing out your 401k and IRA, but lots of folks have done significantly better with real estate than stocks and would think I'm crazy for suggesting this.