It certainly seems the sheer volume of visitors that can access this area keeps the STRs booked.  

That screams that the main units do not work.

Snacks are a waste of money/time/energy and you risk visitors making a mess in the home. 

We would have still moved forward with the purchase, but a week ago the current tenant asked me about it, indicating her kids are screaming and pointing at night--which is some spooky stuff.

Now we have lost our $15k earnest deposit as we are outside of the 45 day due diligence (seller kicked the signing forward a week because he was on a cruise- I could just SCREAM!!)

I had a STR rental and we just booked 30-day stays, mostly to Canadians and winter visitors from Chicago and New York.

I own the property so no owner screaming in my ear at least haha.I would love to hear 3 quick tips to help me avoid some mistakes in this process.

Some were mundane but hosted by people who totally got what visitors to their location would want and need (e.g., locations in areas that backpacking hikers frequent had fabulously comfortable beds, exclusive use of washing machines & dryers, fabulously decked out, tiled showers). 

The guy's daughters were yelling, screaming, crying and slapping him in the face.I suggest you make an attempt to speak to them about cash-for-keys, but also initiate eviction proceedings.

When they come screaming for their stuff, I tell them they have to pay everything owed, including my cost of moving and storage.