It seems duplexes are valued on rent rates for the most part. I

I've done a couple of direct loans, but for the most part, I work with a mortgage broker who brings deals to me.

It was a great niche for many years, but that market has mostly disappeared with legalization of pot in CA, which has pot prices crash.I have also used seller financing in purchasing REO and other real estate purchases and these have worked out really well for all parties.

.: I would never give the party on the opposite end of the transaction POA over the property, or my social, DOB etc.

One thing you might think of doing is having and promoting your own website to avoid the exhorbitant fees charged by the third party sites such as Expedia, Booking.com and Air BnB.  

I have read I will need to use a third party service to make this happen.  

HUD recently has been liquidating these properties and the notes sold to 3rd parties.

Usually the hardest part is coming up with the down payment.

If it’s tied directly to the lender as part of your mortgage agreement, you’d probably need to negotiate with them or refinance with a different lender who doesn’t require that restriction.However, if the restriction is part of the property deed itself and was placed by a previous owner or another party, it can be more complicated.

What I disagree with is VRBO's blanketed take on pricing when it comes from a 3rd Party, which is something that was mentioned on the phone today.