Utilize online resources like BiggerPockets and podcasts to stay motivated and learn more.

They've been failing for two years, yet you've allowed them to stay.

If the chemical balance is maintained, it will stay clean.If guests stay for less than five days, your tub should survive long enough for you to balance the chemicals again.

Quote from @Beck DeYoung: All of this said, I’m really struggling to stay positive about investing right now.

Whether or not it was required, I did tell both guests I would refund them for nights they didn't stay.  

Personally, I stay away from them!

I have someone interested in staying 8 weeks at my STR during my slow period for a traveling CNA position.

Thank you everyone @Ashish Acharya @John Bowens   @Gino Barbaro  @Jacqueline WrightWe'll be staying out of our Traditional and Roth IRAs then for this.And we aren't ready for and aren't qualified for a self directed IRA at this time, so we'll not go that route.The loan out of the 401K is interesting. 

I could see some abuse by those guests that are looking for free stays."

This creates long-term stability, as residents tend to stay longer.