There are a number of great financing solutions for first time home buyers for duplexes or sfh in your income range. 

Thinking it would be a quick and easy solution, but maybe not.Karen in Houston

Then craft your conversation to be the solution to their problems.  

My property manager's only solution to prevent squatters and thieves is to fix up and re-rent the property quickly after tenants move out.  

That may not be the right solution for your scenario. 

And yes, I don't think a December replacement is the ideal solution, but if it keeps up at 60+ degree weather, I don't think they'd mind. 

Two solutions that would both pass muster with Fannie Mae:Skip the idiot local manager, find who your applicant's corporate HR rep is.

It would allow you to add a much more desirable larger vanity, as well as make everything feel less closed in.Another solution would be to keep the tub where it is but move the plumbing so you could replace the dividing wall with glass block and give not only the illusion of a lot more space, but also allow natural light to flow and give a modern edge to the room for a fairly small investment. 

Say something like Spacious room with private bath in modern  3 bedroom house.

I'm confident that with all of this perspective, that she'll be able to find the right solution.