Apart from the legitimacy of the deal, without a third party in the DC being involved, and regular inspections being made, there could be problems with any dispute resolution. I'm thinking along the lines of damage which hasn't been noticed at the time of taking occupancy - was it pre-existing or was your daughter responsible? Disagreements with other tenants are another instance where having an agent is helpful.
If the apartment owner is legitimate but is attempting to avoid agent fees I don't think that it is very wise on her part. I write from the point of view of having been a landlord in the past.