Has anyone heard of a D-1 college paying for expenses of a prospect to come and visit the school and talk with the coaches? or is this the parents expense?

It's called an official visit, allowed after you reach your senior year.
However, you can visit at anytime but it would be at your own expense.
I was at son's school this weekend and there were many recruits who came to watch the game.
When mine was a junior I never thought about visiting schools before son's senior year.
Seems more and more is going on earlier and earlier. After what I saw this weekend, I suggest to parents and players if you are being recruited by a school and very much interested, visit on your own asap. That scholarship might not be available come fall, as I understand more and more college coaches are wanting their recruits to commit by senior summer.

remember, you are only allowed so many official visits...I think it's 5 per player...but you can always visit at parents expense!

VJC

You are correct regarding the 5 official visits---keep in ind that the 5 visits cover all sports--you can have only 5 official visits covering all sports

Example---4 baseball --1 Basketball etc