Look up the tranq epidemic.Too far from Disneyland and Knotts and it's not cute would need some major cozy decorations and security. too far from Chapman College and not safe enough or cottage/cool. 

Rent is early and the house is decorator magazine spotless.Another applicant with all sorts of problems and a recent bankruptcy also comes back "no credit score, unable to score".

We use the Home Decorators collection (Stony Oak Grey 6") in our rentals exclusively over sheet goods in all traffic areas, kitchens, and dining areas now.

They get to tell the buyer's contractor how they want it to be decorated/renovated, for the most part.

.- buy a vintage Airstream, fix it up and decorate it super hip, and operate as a vacation rental.

They might've thought that staging would not help however when the property is beautifully furnished and decorated they might've had a completely different opinion on it.

But this is not the only thing we do, we also work with interior designers for home / office / store decorations, trade show stands..    

The plan is not to live there during this time and to do the follow renovations (update bathrooms, redo kitchen, fix roof/replace roof, paint, decorate etc.)

If you can find/have the money to furnish/decorate it well a STR will almost certainly do better than a long term rental. 

If you are doing a major re-design (addition, re-configuring exterior windows/doors/etc) I would consult an architect or someone who is an experienced rehabber (not a decorator) A well placed window for balanced light or thoughtful layout is the difference between a decent house and a great house.