Hi Mario, Very common method.

Tax properties going up every year is pretty common up here in the Northeast (NY, NJ & PA); but our property values (tax basis) also go up slightly.

It's very difficult to cash flow now with 7% rates anywhere unless you're doing some type of creative strategy like assuming the seller's mortgage or riskier scenario beyond a conventional loan. 

but yes its a common business practice in many arenas. 

Common sense is not so common.

However, it's common practice for the seller to cover this cost.

2) worse case scenario, I can use my own money to rehab the house.

Also most universities have some kind of housing office that can point students to common rentals as well as on campus recomendations.

An LED lights up the room so much better and does not get dusty.No, the house does not have central air, but this is Ohio so A/C window units are commonly used for the couple months of the year they are needed.

What damage could it possibly cause that their security deposit wouldn't be able to handle, worst case scenario?