No maintenance/cap ex, vacancy, PM, book keeping, asset protection, miscellaneous, etc.his actual cash flow when properly allocating for sustained expenses is a fraction of his advertised cash flow.  

I agree with the others when they say to hire a PM; a property manager will have access to better screening and fraud detection - and hopefully can add some protections in the legal arena too.

Do you have tips for structuring short-term leases that protect me as a landlord while accommodating their needs?

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings.

Apprehended illegals will still be afforded due process (I presume since this is constitutionally protected for everyone in the United States). 

By recognizing the signs and implementing effective preventative measures, landlords and property managers can protect themselves from potential scams.

It’s worth researching to see if this might be a good fit for your situation.Lease Structure and Clauses: Work with an attorney to draft a lease with strong clauses for late fees, maintenance responsibilities, and other terms to protect your interests.Target Stable Tenant Profiles: While no tenant is risk-free, targeting tenant pools that historically have more stability (e.g., retirees, dual-income households, or tenants relocating for work) may reduce risk.Stay Up to Date on Landlord-Tenant Laws: Understanding your rights and obligations can help you navigate issues more effectively if they arise.That said, if the potential risks are keeping you up at night and the financial pressure of an eviction would be too much, selling may still be the best option for peace of mind.

And, the longer you wait to act, the longer the squatter stays - and even gains some legal protections to stay while your waiting on a slow court system to act on an eviction. 

I've printed out a Notice to Quit and will post it on their door for legal protection.

The later is critical to protect your investment.