If you are already paying high value, I'd renegotiate or walk.

And that comes down to how reliable they are at paying rent on time.

We are interested in acquiring a property that she can live in starting her sophomore year and hopefully have roommates pay for the mortgage.Any tips on the best way to finance this?

They can, BUT may pay dearly for it over the life of the loan1.

No offense, but I hate the idea.You can send someone a bill all you want, but they aren't going to pay it, which means that all you are going to end up doing is turning off their account. 

Years ago I had a friend that had been laid off and was struggling to pay the bills while looking for work.

Most agents who don't want it on Costar, Loopnet, or Crexi don't want to pay to get it on there because why wouldn't you want a major project on those?

Thank you, @Mija Aguilera I will keep that in mind.

They are month-to-month and pay below market rate.I would prefer to sell it in its current condition and estimate that a diy remodel would top out at $15k.

Should I offer to pay them for their consultation, or are these types of questions common as part of the PM vetting process and is a "courtesy service"?