I have lived in this community for over 12 years. It will depend on the age of your sons, maturity level and what your price point will be. Are you wanting this for an investment opportunity while they attend grad school. How many bedrooms/baths? Then sell when the graduate? These are my motherly answers and questions. I have seven of my own children. I am active duty Army for 22 years and I also flip houses locally. Very familar with Real Estate agents, contractors, lenders etc.. You name it. Will be happy to help with anything. Information, price point or just giving you web sites to look at so you can research yourself. Assuming that you are referencing Champaign Il.

A good Realtor would be a great start. Also, consider what your budget will be and how far your boys would be willing to live from campus. It is extremely tough to find properties to purchase 'on campus' but there are a lot of options that are close to campus and CU has a great bus system. Do your sons have friends already in school here? If so, they could be a great resource in helping them identify target neighborhoods.

Start with a good Realtor.