We will shop for used appliances where we can when we need one… or pick up used cabinets if we can, or search eBay for something smaller,  but going to the extreme of personally shipping something big in internationally for one-off renovation needs seems like a stretch of reasonable.Just like you mention, the number of unknowns would not seem to be worth it to me.Just my 2 cents.Randy  

If you make the person an LLC employee you can get around it, but partner does need to be careful. 

The challenge was balancing the relationship between landlord/tenant and a personal/friendly relationship.

I've done enough personal home projects to know, if I find a deck company it'll be 2k, but a GC will charge me 2.5k to over see it...

I personally would never invest somewhere that could outlaw rentals.

Did you end up flying and looking in person in the area?

And always check social media for red flags and I agree with Vince, always meet a person.  

Just my personal opinion - get a mentor or a person who already has good experience running STR business, preferably in your area (but not 100% required). 

Even when I did reach them the first time,  the other person on the other line sounds like a moron who doesn't know how to help. 

I have known and worked with Matt for years.I have attended his training and hired him as a consultant.He is hands down the best at what he does.I have personally raised over $50 million for my hard money lending company.I am grateful for a lot of people who helping me with this success and Matt is at or near the top of that list.