We read here on BP how to buy from a distance, so we bought 3 houses (2 in TX and 1 in FL) while saving the combat pay, allowances, bonus payments, tax free and tax returns, etc.  

Our fee added up to $1657 for a duplex project.The City prefers to stick the builders with these fees as an approval condition, because it makes the fee impossible to avoid, and the fees can be tied to a 3.3% inflation increase (despite being in a deflationary recession the City ensures it gets a nice fee bonus each year).

If it was me, depending on travel needs I'd just go for some bonuses and then maybe pay rent to meet min spend.

Perhaps something related to their job, hypothetically reflected in their end-of-year bonus?

We discuss this with all prospective tenants and 99% of the time, they view it as a bonus, they don't want me knocking on their door either.

You may also want to add a "bonus" for tenant satisfaction i.e. his responsiveness to calls and promptly sharing issues with you.  

Bonus #1: When you started investing did it originally start as pocket money, but turn into a full time career?

If you can still achieve 93% occupancy or more AND you've got that added bonus that nearly all student's leases are cosigned by a more financially stable parent or guardian, I think student housing can still be a good niche.

Can he advertise and promote referral bonuses or finders fee's for distressed properties?

Of course it fit into the bag for my phone so that was a big bonus.