One last idea, if you are on friendly terms with your neighbors, offer a gift card, dinner or (fill in the blank) in return for cutting up your tree and hauling it.

BP offers a wide range of helpful tools to enhance your knowledge. 

@Eryn GarciaInvesting in student rentals can be a lucrative strategy, but it comes with its own set of pros and cons.Pros:High Demand: College towns typically have a consistent demand for rental properties, ensuring steady occupancy rates.

Going to be typically either or.

I'm wondering if there is a typical amount to put down as earnest money?

If your goal is assume a loan, I would offer the lender some sort of compensation as they are generally only paid if they write your loan, which is not the case with an assumable loan, as the current servicer will be underwriting and providing the new loan.  

I offer an easy-out agreement to the owner, but don't want to lose out on monthly fees for longer stays. 

If someone offers you 2x what you paid now, take it and do it again.

I typically don't say anything negative but this was a straight up bait and switch, with the change coming after hours on the night before closing.

I attempted to ask to defer payments until it is rented but the seller will only offer interest only payment at 7%.