So it's not uncommon for travelers to leave the house at night and come back when it's still dark out, especially during winter.

Some are for-hire independent contractors, whose services an investor could enlist directly, typically for a relatively minimal cost.

The paperwork you need should be available online and cost to set up is minimal or free.

If so, how can I minimize the rebate I give them - if the rent is say $5000, do I say fridge is $100 and dryer is $150 so ok you can deduct say $(250) * 2weeks/1month = $125. or do I say ok send me your bill for food and laundromat and you can deduct that full amount (that will be expensive I guess).If I'm not liable how do I reply that doesn't have ramifications.

On the bright side, I think this will definitely separate realtors who are dedicated and putting in hard work vs. those who only put in minimal effort.

It's essential to consult with a tax advisor to understand the specific tax implications and explore strategies to minimize taxes, such as timing the sale or offsetting gains with losses.Real Estate Investing: Flipping and short-term vacation rentals can be lucrative real estate investment strategies, but they also come with their own set of risks and considerations.

Moreover, our spacious yard, characteristic of our corner property, contributed to minimizing any potential disturbances.

Let's say your brother agrees to exit today with minimal ROI...what happens 7-10 years from now when you have $300K of equity in this property and he has $0 because he exited early?  

The reason I am ok with that is because I just spent $140K and updated everything - electrical, plumbing, roof, HVAC, windows, etc. so costs should be minimal for a while.

But I have had hardwoods in all my rentals over the years, and they held up quite well, with minimal, if any costs incurred on the normal turnover.