I do not do this because I have a healthy fear of identity theft, and hiding with pride is also part of my long-term strategy of never looking even remotely comfortable financially in my community.It is definitely possible to make money in the sub-$30K market, Stuart, I'll say it again.

Currently, I'm in a healthy financial position, and I have 6 rentals that are all cash flowing, appreciating and under control.

That’ll give you a far more intimate picture of what is going on with them and how financially healthy they are.

Mental health is important and there is nothing wrong with feeling safe.  

Losing sleep for the next year doesn't sound healthy to me, especially if you have other alternatives.That being said, you can always ask the student to provide a guarantor.

People love to make landlords and/or STR operators the "bad guy" and ban the short term rentals (see Boston, Cambridge, Somerville) but when they make AirBNB the bad guy, they (gen pop and politicians) dont address the real problem which is no new construction and major limitations in zoning or redevelopment.There is a way to have both STRs and a healthy housing market, but the problem is everytime someone tries to modify a dwelling or build a development all the NIMBYs pop up and kill it and then complain that rents and prices are going up. 

But cycles happen in all aspects of life and with the case of recessions, they are healthy and necessary.

healthy markets in ALL the major MSA's of the US are a plus.. 

Stay safe and healthy.

Detroit really needs to drastically reduce the footprint in which it provides municipal services before it can become healthy again.