Ask them a lot of questions about their loan programs and the costs associated.2.

A lot of universities have students that need mid term housing due to graduation dates, mini semester programs, etc. and I've found if you approach them and offer them a solution to this problem, they are willing to work with you and help send business your way. 

And have you looked into the link below, the Invest Southwest program?

Look into FHA 203(k) loans for repairs and down payment assistance programs in your area.

Exploring other options like Appfolio or Apartments.com which might offer the balance of support and functionality you need, is a sensible approach.

FHA is for sure not going to be an option for him, last option is purchasing from an investor with owner financing, or lease to own program where he will not need traditional financing. 

@Michael BertschAs a general rule, we only leave a fireplace functional unless it has a sealed, externally vented, gas insert ... and, even then we may disconnect it.Check with your insurance provider and see how unhappy a functional fireplace in a rental makes them.

You might be shocked by the amount of toilet paper some people use for their "functions" and some of the fancier stuff does not disintegrate as easily.Personally, I cannot remember a single place I've ever stayed in my life - STR, hotel, whatever - that I can remember liking or disliking the toilet paper.

Are there specific military programs or contacts I should look into for housing opportunities?

Both screen doors upstairs do not function correctly.Plumbing problems-The garbage disposal in the kitchen was not cleaned, is smelly and the rubber is flipped outwards.The bathroom sink in the smaller bedroom does not drain correctly despite us using an entire bottle of drain cleaner on it.Common areas that are not kept clean or have garbage-There was no attempt to clear the patio of years of accumulated debris and filth.