Jeremy, I hope you don’t take this badly…..I noticed your posts don’t get much “traction” The reason is they read like slick marketing “puff” pieces you find posted on LinkedIn all the time, rather than personally engaged discussions, If you want significant engagement, just write something out, and don’t even “edit” it, just go with the first draft, giving the effect like a personal conversation with someone.  

Their communication can be described at best as mechanical.

Wife communicated that she has vacated the unit.

Although it's possible, most new investors don't have the skills, resources or network to effectively self manage. 

I realize that there are variables from market to market and property to property that could make VRBO more effective for a given property, but my understanding is that in general Airbnb bookings get out to such a dominant start in regard to percentage of the bookings, that VRBO and other lesser OTAs have trouble catching up.

The owner had her own listing set up on VRBO and has given me the username/PW to be logged in and responding to inquiries and managing guest communications.

Communication is the key.

Alternatively, you could draft a contract with a delayed execution date, stating that the agreement will officially go into effect once the rule is lifted.

Keep in mind it is usually not cheap or 100% effective.

Additionally, there was no business license registered in the City of Atlanta.Suspicious Communication: The individual identified as Chris Anderson had a heavy foreign accent and provided convincing but dubious claims about the company's legitimacy.Questionable Financial Arrangements: Upon loan approval, the wiring instructions directed the loan fee to a Capital One checking account under the name of a supposed loan facilitator—a 85-year-old woman in Florida.