They are paying for some repairs now after I've had several issues and a brand new tenant moved out, but I'm still paying a mortgage without any rent coming in during those months. 

Or can I get the Costco brand items?? 

@Jeremy H Barton I would suggest taking a look at your cash flow before signing up for a HELOC on a brand new building.

If you go in that direction, I highly recommend speaking with multiple franchisees from each brand before making a final decision.

I am brand new here and I look forward to learning from the best in the business. 

And for two valid reasons: they don't know if Don is a trustworthy borrower (which he is not), and they could get a lot better profit (for the bank) from a brand new loan.

The dated cabins typically need more help than say brand new construction which now are coming with pools and other amenities built in. 

Not sure of the vetting process though and what it would entail to maintain quality under their brand... 

I know I fund the deals and pay for the rehab . my clients put on brand new roofs  new panels all new wiring new plumbing windows siding cabinets etc etc..

For a more general philosophy on hospitality, especially if you are going into the higher end STR space I would recommend Four Seasons: The Story of a Business Philosophy by Isadore Sharp about the founding and development of the Four Seasons brand.