NO ONE lends for 5% period.. and NO one charges up front money other than Do hard money and they couch it as buying their how to flip property manuals.. so they are selling you something. in exchange for the up front 3k which is mandatory to get a loan from them.. and then the rates are what they are.standard rates for hard money is 2 and 10 for great borrower and experience to 5 and 15 for someone with little to no expirence and everything in between.. the next thing they will hit you with is insurance.. 

Kids are back in school which negatively affects how many families are looking to move.Other seasonal effects:1) Weather - getting cooler, which is a negative in colder climates as who wants to drag their couch through the snow?

Caleb, have you looked to see if you could put a pull out couch in the office room?

Even found a couch just like the one in Mike's basement!

Thanks @Valerie Couch

The property I recently purchased came furnished, but with a couch that has cushions which I do not particularly like.

I really want to protect our investment and the items that would also be coming with the rental (couch, bed, tables etc..).

I'd be shocked if they spent more than $5k on bed, mattress, couch, chair, tables, linens, and kitchen items.We didn't have to pay tax on the rental because it was over 30 days (33 to be exact), but that will differ across municipalities.The opportunity for STR operators is to provide an improved experience than what the larger corporate lease companies are doing.

Thanks @Rob Couch , Since the seller is motivated are they willing to accept a lower down payment and increase the price of the house?

Always make your money WORK FOR YOU, no lazy couch potato money leaving around sitting doing nothing. +++ plus its asset protection not to leave equity in your houses.