The amount of money that you "lose" during that time is usually minimal and chasing after it isn't worth the stress that it causes.  

We also care about how long they are likely to stay (by history and intentions), whether there is any indication they will be a PIA, and pets or others moving in with them.

I would put up a barrier to minimize the danger.Then accurately describe the driveway and provide good pictures so people know what there getting into.

I would then send a certified letter to the owner indicating your concerns, what the arborist suspects, and suggest that they have the tree checked out. 

Brian, I believe Mike wants to buy and hold the property not list it for sale as he indicated his intention to have the property as a rental. 

I'm guessing they weren't screened too well as you seem to indicate.

We were hoping to wrap this in a 2nd home loan to minimize out of pocket costs.  

This is his second investment property.I am providing the majority of the funds and have been in communication with all of our contacts, and plan to take on minimal property management responsibilities from a distance, mainly for the learning experience.

What if the manager had a minimal stake in the ownership of the property?

There was an auction for a condo unit where $125K units sold at auction for $40K which is what I got it for but one time they held an auction for a foreclosed unit where there is no reserve price indicated, was poorly advertised, and no one showed up except the owner and his twin brother.