So I get your hesitation to be too demanding and your desire for the problems to go away as fast as they can, however since you have NO property manager ( I don't use one either), it is incumbent that you take a more ACTIVE approach with management of your property.Let's review your situation.  1st time leak occurred, you sent a plumber over to find the problem.  

While you should always consult a CPA and/or attorney for their professional advice, here's my 3 cents (I'm sure others will chime in as well):1) Having an LLC may make it "easier" to track but it's not needed in this situation as you can run this through your personal return just as well.

For me, weekly check-ins and just being real with my team—like saying, “Hey, I’m not sure, let me check on that”—have saved so many situations.

:)There are always some kind of good deal on furniture out there and I just have to pass because I am not currently looking to outfit another STR and I have no space.I would love to have a 10k sqft warehouse to store stuff when I find it so I have it @Patricia Andriolo-Bull

Is that something you would consider in that situation?

LTRs do not face those types of situations. 

I would assume that what led up to that situation likely has an impact.  

I'm worried that this equity we are sitting on is not being put to its best use, and am wondering what someone in this situation would do? 

However, the HOA then said "we are still fully opposed to the door".I am working with our RE attorney, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips or experience in this situation. 

$25k is only 4.16% of your new purchase price, heck of a deal.Thank you for your service and let me know if you want to talk any more details and run actual numbers based on your situation.