I also own a water restoration and general maintenance business in the area and the amount of STR owners that we have spoken with is insane.  

Seems like you should not have to but showing they broke house rules leading to damage may help. 

As far as features, Rent Redi obviously blew everyone else out of the water.

An attorney is not needed provided your not making a claim of fraud or misconduct/damages are being sought. 

They focus on safety issues, such as wood rot, water damage, and structural integrity of balconies and decks.

Poor communicators, poor housekeeping skills, prescription med abuse, big dogs that they couldn't properly care for, damaging, etc.

I have warned countless people that the "new", "Cheapest", and "shaking up the insurance market" carriers typically come into the market under priced, have a wave of claims, then they either jack up premiums to survive or fire their staff to keep heads above water.

• How do leases typically handle furniture/appliance damage or wear?

Read or watch YouTube’s on India and Africa bringing water to the land.In the meantime you won’t save your way there.  

I guess a lot of Scott's buyers are under water the day they sign a loan, so he must be regularly evicting and reselling some of those houses.