Hey Marc - Offering free Netflix can be a nice bonus for guests and make your property more appealing, especially for longer stays.

The last time I stayed in one, I was charged a large cleaning fee and then met with a list of what to clean prior to us leaving.

It's a big enough company to recognize it's in their best interest to stay on the right side of the law.

If the best you qualify for is alternative financing when the purchasing loan matures you will  likely be treading water barely able to stay a float. 

If they’re not lying and you let them stay without charging anything.

Setting up direct bookings is a great way to save on fees, but you’re right—it requires extra effort to ensure everything runs smoothly.For vetting guests, start by asking a few questions when they inquire, like the purpose of their stay, how many people will be there, and if they’ve stayed in short-term rentals before.

Being nearby allows you to stay hands-on—you can see, touch, and fully immerse yourself in the process.There’s a lot to learn, not just about managing rentals but also about overseeing property management companies.Handling tenants and maintenance can feel overwhelming at times, but starting with a property close to home gives you the opportunity to gain valuable experience.

To get those hours, maybe turn one or two into medium term rentals (you want the average stays to be over 7 days so they don't fall into STR status) which would give her more to do, particularly in the first year of furnishing them and getting everything set up.Alternatively, she maybe she could manage the properties but also get her RE license and try to sell a house or two a year - go to lots of open houses or run them for other agents?

I like to stay in the working class areas as they make enough to pay the rent and bills, but don't have the financial discipline to save enough to purchase their own home. 

The key is staying flexible—house hacking isn’t dead, but it might look different than you originally planned.Good luck!