As a PM/REALTOR® I wouldn't wait to get it mitigated to put a tenant in it. the city is not holding up the sale or tenancy for the certification.

Another caveat: there are a lot of STRs out there that are breaking HOA/local government/state/federal laws or strongly bending the rules, and I'm looking for people who did not do that or who mitigated risk there. 

In reviewing what happened to Marc, here's how I plan to mitigate it in my rentals:1.

@Clayton Silva gives you some good suggestions regarding mitigation. 

., you learn how to mitigate that risk. 

Some remediation (or mitigation) can be expensive; however, nothing must be a deal breaker… just leverage negotiation when you are aware.Roy

There is much to be said of experience, such as knowledge of all the un-said and un-written facets, knowing hang-ups, things to do to mitigate ___ etc..

Currently running through numbers to see what makes sense in terms of rentals and mitigating occupancy risk in the transition from on to off season. 

You can mitigate a lot by buying good used USA made furniture like @John Underwood said.

I personally wouldn't accept it as a Landlord without mitigating the risk by charging a hefty non-refundable fee that is forfeited in case of cancellation.