The wood is pine or mdf, as opposed to oak.

I am curious if anyone has had success in other areas let me know.We are thinking of relocating as it looks like there is no end in sight for this.

If it is built from scratch with a full fire box, then most types of wood can be burned.  

We have not disabled ours or converted to gas, but Tenant must sign a Fireplace Addendum stating if they use it, we require a higher renter's liability policy with us as additional insured, rules on wood, storage, use, safety, they pay for yearly professional cleaning each year they are there, etc.  

No end in sight😞

I've already renovated one of the bathrooms, and I’m planning to paint the interior, update the kitchen cabinets, possibly sand the wood floors, build a fence is a corner lot and increase the rent for the room since my tenant is currently renting the entire 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house for $800 a month.

Faux wood floors, new blinds.

I heard so many horror stories from hosts but I have never had an issue, knock on wood.  

If/when we aim our sights on the great state of Texas, Brad's program seems like a no brainer (it's also remarkable how many mentors/trainers are based in Texas, in general)

So infilling an income gap via people who can disappear just as easily as appear seems short sighted to me.