My wife will tell you that I am OCD in making sure everything is correct and she argues a lot about my choice of materials and decisions on things.For example, the last flip I did had not been touched in over 40 years but it was still in great condition.

Call the guy up and make a conscious choice not to use an acronym when you talk to him and make him explain every single last acronym he tosses at you.

You'll never be 100% comfortable with going for it the first time, and you'll likely have anxiety for months afterward wondering if it was a good choice/thinking about everything you want to fix - you just have to do your best to make good purchase. 

I’m sure it’s around 10 percent interest but if you don’t have any other choice.

I am really struggling to decide what market I want to start off in with the choices being between my own back yard (suburbs of west Chicago), Madison / Southeast Wisconsin area, or Indianapolis.  

It is her choice not yours. 

Its best to speak to local Flooring guysit important to take into consideration the year round temperature. extreme difference between winter and summer can also factor into the choice Best of luck 

Did she have a choice...or much of a choice?

Something to keep in mind with STR, that's tied to why REI is a smart game to play - control is the name of the game.You want to control the guests and rates (vet them in hopes of avoiding property damage, set rates to attract those willing to pay more for quality)You want to control the costs (furnishings, consumables, cleaning/repair/plumbing/electrical)You want to control the property (choice of property, location, financing terms, well or city water, septic or city sewer, etc)This is all going to be very hard to do, if not impossible, if you don't OWN THE PROPERTY. 

Getting in bed with the listing agent when their fiduciary responsibility lies elsewhere may not be the wisest choice, but glad its working out for you so far..