I agree with this answer, people always forget about the material participation requirement that goes in tandem with REP status. 

they will be worth their weight in gold

Looks like they charged my guest 11.2% on my nightly fee + cleaning. 

Your contractor should have at minimum a weekly status update mandatory dictated by them. you need to make sure an in depth scope of work and evaluation is performed especially because you have little experience in evaluating these types of projects.

Congratulations and shout out to my client's for earning Superhost status well within their first year anniversary of acquisition. 

However no family is going to rent and put someone on a pullout sofa that isn't a temporary guest.

One thing I have learned being a guest speaker at many REIAs around the country is there can be a vast difference in approach and monetary goals for those running them. 

You are correct that Orlando is competitive, but it is also the top tourist destination in the US, with a guaranteed flow of guests year-round.

Basically, I just don't know if the status as an illegal garden unit (the lack of ceiling height and zoning allowance) prevents me legally from using the space for anything at all. 

While I have been in real estate almost 30 years now, a lot of the classes were refreshers but some still added value - but for someone with little experience I would find it as gold