I will also have my agent there with me to offer comps to aid in their appraisal if they are receptive to it. 

See what other controls they offer.  

They would offer a more hands free approach, but eat up the profit in return.

This might give a one-time (non-scalable) boost to cash flow, offer multiple value-add options, and allow the house-hacker peace of mind, via the assumed mortgage, in long-term breakeven or positive cash flow in the event that the value-add plans end up not being executed, and/or the person has to move out, and rent by the room or STR become unavailable for some reason at a future date.

MLS, Made an offer I couldn't refuse How did you finance this deal?

@Tanner King learn how to work backwards on analyzing a deal, so you figure out the purchase price to offer to make your numbers work.Too many newbies think they have to offer asking price, which is not the case.

Offer to buy them a few indoor portable heaters until you find a solution. 

Most brokerages offer zero-fee referral status, so you can still do referral business.

For further context, we are trying to have him be the name on the loan because he would be able to utilize his first time home buyer loan to take advantage of the lowered offered interest rate.

You have to offer a great product at a competitive price in this market.