There are markets around the country that provide both cash flow and appreciation.

2.Create a direct booking website and set up an escrow account where guest payments are held and disbursed to the property owner and cohost according to agreed terms?

Totally agree , and when a home inspector looks at a house built over 100 years ago and writes a report based on current codes . 

Not saying I agree, just saying it makes sense.

I hired a contractor with a solid reputation for working with international investors, and we agreed on a total cost of $495K, to be paid in stages.

So the HOA is at fault there. the way these get over turned is through litigation not the country supervisors cancelling the sale they have no power to do that only a Judge does.

One year, one of the barn cats found its way into the cellar to sleep on the warm furnace ducts (we lived in snow country).

I agree with you it's really vague. 

And I buy the seller carry back notes for those that want to cash out.I agree with jack Bosch I saw him at a rich dad event and his stuff was very dated.Its not a complicated model you buy low sell for more..

@Ludwig KoenekeI agree with @Jonathan Greene that you shouldn't pay for an appraisal twice.