However, we are unable to wait the seasoning period for now and therefore prefer to sell.

In most of the 35 or so deals i've been in, i've had little to no taxable distributions until year 7-8 on our typical 10-year hold period, so a 10% cash on cash return is an effective 13.33% for example when you compare to other taxable returns if at 25% bracket,        The syndication next can roll the sale proceeds into another larger investment, like-kind, 1031 exchange and not have to pay any long-term capital gains taxes, about 20-23.8% nor any depreciation recapture tax about 25%.

Another way around sourcing funds is a seasoning period.

How do I help this person and not sit with property for an extended period of time before starting construction?  

As you mentioned, residential properties depreciate over 27.5 years, while non-residential properties depreciate over 39 years.If your short-term rental only averages 30 days or less as an average rent period, it would classify as transient.

Additionally, it can help maximize renovations and improvements.A Cost Segregation study is an IRS approved federal income tax tool that increases near term cash flow by utilizing shorter recovery periods for depreciation to accelerate return on investment.

It is important to be comfortable with "worst case scenarios" whenever you are investing - period. 

You need to look at your risk tolerance and what your numbers would look like if you got stuck with the credit card payments for an extended period of time beyond what you expect.

However, the greater metro area’s median home price remained unchanged at $450,000 over that same period.

Other than that, unless you want to do the landscaping periodically yourself or pay someone to, I'd keep it simple and functional.