Finally, make sure that your short-term rental (STR) meets IRS requirements and doesn't get classified as long-term or this could prevent you from leveraging this tax strategy event though you are materially participating in property and it was placed in service.

If not we replace and charge the customer for time and materials.  

Builders and developers are increasingly turning to leasing as an alternative when they cannot sell homes at their desired price points.To succeed in this market, sellers need to be realistic about pricing and be prepared to make concessions.

Material prices have gone up so some may charge 4-5k as well.

You could alternatively hold the property for as long as is necessary to break even but when you consider the time value of money and how money today has a greater value than money in the future "breaking even" in a few years may actually be losing money because you've lost out on opportunities to do things with that money in the meantime as well as you've lost money to inflation. 

I was wondering if there is an alternate destination such as the out-ish skirts of Indianapolis?

And I put all quality materials and high end finishes throughout.

Unused contingency funds, unless they were received directly from the borrower, must be used to reduce the outstanding balance of the renovation mortgage after all of the renovation work has been completed and the certification of completion has been obtained.The loan is not re-amortized.Draw Schedule:The HomeStyle program has a maximum 4 draw process.The initial draw can be up to 50% of the total project and can be for materials for the project.The final draw will be at least 10% of the total project as retainage and funds will be released upon receipt and approval of final inspection, Certificate of Completion from Appraiser, signed All Bills Paid Affidavits and Lien Waivers.Additional Draw Information:Ø Signed Draw Request by borrower and contractorØ Signed All Bills Paid AffidavitØ GMG review and approve the draw request and will release funds for disbursementØ A check will be issued in the name of the borrower and contractor and delivered to borrower via USPSØ An inspection of work to date will be performed at 50% completeFinal Draw Information:Ø Signed Draw RequestØ Final inspection/Completion Certificate will be required for release of final fundsØ A Title Update showing property free from lien or encumbranceØ General Contractor’s Lien Waiver AffidavitØ Affidavit of Completion GR will review and approve the draw request and will release a check in the name of the borrower and contractor.Change Orders and Cost Overruns:Changes to the initial plan are not permitted unless prior approval by Guaranteed Rate.

I'll offer it as a non-snowy alternative & we are the 5th largest city in the country!

Alternatively they completed one unicorn deal in their life and then turn that into a course while failing to tell those who sign up the  years and years  it took to run down the one seller willing to agree to their loopy terms.