IF that is the case full stop - yes you are paying for something called insurance but if you have a claim the company has the right to pretty much deny coverage for having the wrong type of policy.Landlord policies are higher cost but for a reason - there is a different and increased level of risk when the house is not owner occupied.Talk with your agent and get all the details sorted out. 

Look at other rentals in the area and see not only how they are advertising or promoting online but also the inside and outside of the rental so you can create a similar environment to try to replicate the same results.

Yup City of Alexandria, not to be confused with Alexandria Fairfax County, is pretty much the only place you can STR in the metro are without restrictions.

From the little I know of San Antonio (I am a wholesaler who specializing in selling STRs nationwide) its not a super hot Airbnb market but the amount you expect for rent sounds pretty conservative. 

I prefer to buy my materials because of my discount and because I’m pretty savvy with finding solid deals on things.

Pretty much everything I have seen and read is:Find out the sellers motivation/problem and speak to solving that issue.Give an offer but explain how you got your numbers.Other than that, it seems pretty limited for negotiating information. 

Pretty simple question..

Looking to cash flow on low entry homes in some pretty nice neighborhoods close to where I grew up.

Worked out pretty well.

Some cities like Longview seem pretty strong, but other cities are dying.