Imagine if it cost 1000 to send out 50 letters but half of them responded and half of those wanted an offer and half of those accepted an offer and half of those closed and half of those resold for a net 50k. 

It had multiple offers the day it was listed (like everywhere) but now the financing of the buyer is falling through. 

In speaking with our insurance agent, we decided not to make an offer.

They perhaps can build cheaper than you can, finance cheaper, operate cheaper and to get it leased up, offer things like 1-2-3 months free rent. 

However, many lenders offer only the 7A, so you'll have to shop around.

Part of the motivation for congress writing Dodd Frank was to clamp down on the investors offering preditory terms re  rent to own and seller financing and that view has carried into craigslist rent to own adds and you say zillow. 

Understanding your market, what you are offering, and the kind of tenant you can expect to attract and KEEP will help you determine how to screen.

I will start from the offer stage. 

--reach out and thank them upon getting the booking and ask if they have any questions--send a "Welcome" email or automated message during the week prior to arrival--reach out the day after arrival to ask how everything was the first night and ask if there is anything that the property needs--reach out at the end of the stay (that morning or within 24 hours) and ask how everything was, anything to improve, anything to add to the house and then offer an incentive for returning guests.My 2 cents,Mike Absolutely stay in your place as Mike said.You will see things the cleaners will never let you know about.We stayed in our PF will putting up the Christmas decorations and found a cracked plastic shelf in the fridge. 

Why ask: A mentor who is actively involved in the market is more likely to offer relevant, real-time insights, strategies, and lessons learned.