Below are some pictures of the unfinished work for reference. 

What are you currently using to see the overall picture?  

Hello BP fam! I have a family member who will be staying in the ATL area from May 5th to May 21st in the ATL area. He's looking for a STR or rent by rooms while down there. He may be stationed there around oct/nov and...

Unless you got amazing supporting documents from the previous owner (a move-in checklist, pictures of the unit in the prior condition) it could be hard to make a case to keep the deposit.If you do keep the deposit and they file a claim against you and win they could get 3x that security deposit.

This will give you a clear picture of the type of property you may be able to purchase.

@Martin Nussbaum @Jason CollinsIt is important that you work with tax professionals who understand the unique tax consequences and planning opportunities surrounding STRs.If the average period of customer use is seven days or less (which would encompass nearly all AirBNBs, VRBOs, etc), the rental is not considered a rental activity under the passive activity loss rules.What this means is that whether one is a real estate professional or not does not matter. 

I might think the tenant has poor manners in a situation like that but I wouldn't feel aggrieved in any way since they are just my customer not my friend.

If you are good at self managing and know how to play the Airbnb/VRBO game with all the picture tricks, word gimmicks, amenities stuff and you are actively on their platforms, it seems to still be a viable market for the good investors. 

You might have a challenge with tenants/customers feeling uncomfortable next to a prison so getting the local insights might be valuable to you as well. 

I have seen people hiring designers from out of country for around $10/hour then have a handyman assemble and arrange the furniture from pictures which sounds feasible.Any suggestions?