I'm currently building out my foundation (website, SOP's, etc).

I keep finding conflicting information and the IRS website doesn't specifically mention using an RV as a STR.

We’ve been victims ourselves and I’ve been told that directly by law enforcement.We had a scammer create a very professional website using the exact name of our lending company.

Columbus has an active following on this website so you are in the right place

I do direct booking through the Houfy website, taking credit card payment by Square. 

She was very pleasant and explained that their website doesn’t work, which we thought was a bit unusual.

I was just on their website looking at the permit process:CityofSac-STR PermitLooks like 90 days max until you get a conditional use permit but still reading as it seems a little unclear:A short-term vacation rental may operate from a location that is not the operator's primary residence for a total of 90 days in a calendar year.

You'll likely want someone that can handle A to Z with marketing, pricing, cleaning, maintanence, decor, websites, reviews etc.

Lancaster city limits short term rentals to only certain zones of the city so definitely look at the city website for that information.

As you begin your REI journey here is one tip I have for you:Use this website as you are trying to narrow down the places you want to invest in. https://www.areavibes.com/Its awesome because it gives you a "total livability score" & you can compare different zip codes & streets to others.