Ask if they take debit cards and credit cards or must you write a check, The way I am comfortable with paying is payment for the job x amount, payment for the decorations according to a gross budget for everything, as they are purchased vs giving a pool of money to draw from.

Lodgify is actually not that commonly used anymore since other platforms offer better functionality for hosts.

Just write on it return to sender, or not at this address and give it back to the mailman.

I'd go through with the court date to get permission to remove his belongings and get it in writing how long you have to store them. 

Does the seller really care who writes the check (you or the lender)?

Fees should be clearly stated in writing, easy to understand, and justifiable.

Once you have a shortlist, sign up for an account with each one and test them extensively to see how they function.

I could write a novel about this but let me ask you two questions instead:1. 

Once you have a short list, get an account with each one and run them through the wringer to see how they really function.

(you write this into the lease) Leverage, leverage, leverage is as important as location, location, location when it comes to real estate.