Would this be a reasonable?

[Acencion M.]

I live in an apartment and would like to rent a house down the street. They are asking for 1rst rent in advance plus the deposit which is the same amount of first months rent. I don't have the deposit would it be reasonable to ask the owner if she waives the deposit my husband can do all the handy work to the house with out bothering them? My husband is maintenance at apartment complex so he knows hownto do it all. What do you all think? I am just reading a lot about real estate investment but still have a lot to learn. This question goes to all landlords.