Alternatives to AirBnB and VRBO for the Vacationer

[Jason Merchey]

I am calling this "off topic" since it is really basically me asking: Since the big STR platforms charge vacationers so darned much for cleaning, service fees, pets, host fees, etc. etc. etc. etc., where could one go to find a low-add-on-fee vacation rental that didn't come too close to Craigslist or a venue that has no Q.A.? I'm in the Asheville area (counties of Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, etc.) in North Carolina, FWIW. I feel like I wish I knew someone personally who has a vacation rental within an hour of where I live (Hendersonville) who could be like "OK I trust you won't mess the place up and you trust that I wouldn't gyp you, so how about $200 a night flat fee paid person to person in cash" or whatever....

No I'm probably not too keen on fractional ownership like Pacaso or whatever. It seems a bit intimidating a la time shares to me, personally, and of course, a high upfront outlay model + maintenance fees.

Ideas?