In short, securing an STR permit isn’t easy unless you fulfill all the township’s requirements

It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.

I noticed that the previous owner let them pay half the security deposit and the other half later, which is a red flag.

Traditional deals often don’t excite investors—offering $200/month in cash flow isn’t very compelling.But with co-living, you can offer 5X the returns, making it much easier to secure funding.Now, instead of asking an investor to put up a 20% down payment for $200/month cash flow, you can pitch them a 5% down investment yielding $1,000+/month—a much more attractive deal.Why Co-Living is the FutureCo-living isn’t just another strategy—it’s a high-demand, high-cash-flow, lower-risk investment model that aligns with today’s rental market trends.

It isn't having paid off properties that offers security, there are still taxes, insurance, maintenance and management involved. 

Security systems are easily outsmarted, that’s the point of the initial visit, to case the joint. 

I just secured a deal in Solterra which seems to have everything in order regarding rules.

Assuming plans are needed to secure a permit.

Nothing you mention is "ordinary" and you should charge for all of it. dodged a bullet there thats a very good price take it from the security deposit and call yourself lucky. 

I guarantee you are more likely to secure favorable terms if the seller likes you and can imagine you as a great operator for the business.