The housekeeper fills me in and I haven't had any issues ao far, although I might be a little more concerned about things than she is.I've been doing REI for several years, but this is my first vacation rental.

Ok......if your frustration level is high enough to cost yourself thousands of dollars...and the time and effort to find another tenant that may  or may not be worse.... then that's your choice.

In a cold climate if that lower level is on slab has to be something there.   

Finally, if you're on the ground level, I always recommend flood insurance, even if the property technically doesn't need it!

Regarding starting small vs levering max is individual comfort level. I

@Jean Norton How did you get to be VIP Gold level?I

At a high level, I believe this is a an 11.5% cap and 10% IRR immediate cash. 

Just want to introduce myself and want to make new connections while I'm  Jamiel welcome to the forums and congratulations on your success in basketball to the collegiate level. I

. - I think you might discover that the height of first floor level is partly limited by the width of the sidewalk and the number of steps to walk up to the front door.

Also protections for STR owners afforded at the state level. I