If you are paying cash for the STR this seems pretty easy. 

Wealth-drivers are appreciation, debt pay-down (ie. principal payments) and tax shielding.

And than the sob stories and how the nation should jump in and pay for what they didn't cover. 

The buyer may pay off the remaining balance at any time without penalty.2.

If you allow service dog, you sure need to pay a deposit , application fee and monthly pet rent correct?

Throughout this entire time, I waited tables and bartended at night to pay rent.

I don't know your living situation but if your paying x,xxx for rent or a mortgage and instead by living in one side and renting out the other you will be paying y,yyy instead and y is less then x that's great, especially if you can rent out your primary residence and make income there too. 

Look for safe accounts that pay good interest or dividends to grow your security.

One question that you may not want to post here for legal reasons, is how much are you paying your PMC?

We had an accounting system once that necessitated doing this - not ideal, but it keeps the assets and liabilities straight and AP is just an accrual until you pay the bill.