@Stacey DlouhyI suggest using a browser to access Biggerpockets and then go to RentRedi. 

It allows investors to access $50K–$250K in 0% interest funding—without putting personal assets at risk.” 

As a room for rent they would have no access to your kitchen and no kitchen unless you provide one so it would be misleading to call it a room for rent and very difficult to live in without a kitchen.

Unless you’re super strapped for closing costs, I’d lean toward paying for the lower rate.

You have easier access to capital from these friends / colleagues if you decide to partner in the future.Best of luck!

Lots of available land to develop and highways that provide easy access to those areas driving development.As you get closer to downtown neighborhoods can be very street by street so have to make sure you are located in the better sections.

Quote from @Daniel Sehy: Hey everyone —We’re actively expanding our portfolio into student housing and building long-term buy-and-hold strategies around Tier-2 and SEC campus markets.Target Criteria:80+ units (purpose-built or converted)Within 3–5 miles of campusMarkets with growing student populations and limited new supplyIdeally pre-leased or with some operational track recordWe’re open to both on- and off-market opportunitiesWe’ve modeled our acquisition approach around high-yield, Tier-2 university markets (think: Coastal Carolina, Troy, Kennesaw, Eastern Kentucky) where competition is lower, student demand is steady, and mom-and-pop owners still control a big chunk of inventory.We’re also looking at core SEC metros — Auburn, Columbia, Knoxville, etc. — but only where value and scale align.My ask:Who are the sharpest agents or brokers in your network with real student housing experience (not just MF)?

-You can access the equity through HELOCs at far better rates and terms than you'll ever get from hard money, and you spend it like cash, unlike hard money, no third party underwriting. 

No one should pay anyone for something that is so easily accessible for FREE. 

If you’re in a high-supply market where tenants have the upper hand, actual (contracted) rents could be lower than what you see on listings.Local leasing agents and property managers may have comps they can give you, though you’ll probably need to spot check for relevance.In any case, welcome to BiggerPockets and best of luck in your career as a commercial real estate agent!