Hey Both Pauls,
I've read this post with interest as I am looking at investing in Sheffield, and can certainly relate. I've got enough saved now for a deposit, and I am meeting with some brokers this week to arrange a mortgage.
I work for a property developer specialising in student accommodation on a national level. I am a chartered project management surveyor with the RICS. So, I have plenty of relevant experience in developments with GDV's ranging from £1m up to over £100m. Currently, I am managing two projects in Sheffield due to complete in September 2017. One a 63