It doesn't sound like that has happened here because you keep saying you want to transfer it etc...essentially you want to give them the property, because right now today they do not own it and have not completed AP...you're doing their job for them. 

You essentially end up paying over $300 per month if you attempt to start making calls from the dialer.

Even the most meticulously crafted plans can frequently go off track due to unmet responsibilities or unforeseen events.This is the essential characteristic of the real estate industry.

This way your tenants essentially pay your mortgage while you're deployed.

Understanding STR regulations in a market is an essential "must do" when it comes to evaluating a short term rental.

He's essentially lost $150K.Run the numbers if he was renting it for 5 years (minus mortgage, property taxes, repairs, etc). 

They are essentially the same thing you are describing, but sharing an "expert opinion".I am also not a fan of how BiggerPockets itself is doing this same thing in the forum by posting blog posts and you don't have the ability to comment on the posting (because some times I disagree with the posting!) 

Essentially ended up screwed out of a substantial chunk of retirement savings and left to find my own lender elsewhere to close the deal.

Also, what others have said, the personal touches on what is in your place (e.g. providing all the essentials instead of having people buy TP, coffee, shampoo, etc.) and the quality of those items (no tattered towels, stained sheets, etc.).  

As for other amenities, some crowd-pleasers that won't break the bank are coffee maker + starter pack of pods, basic workout equipment (yoga mat, resistance bands), phone charging stations by the beds, and basic kitchen essentials like olive oil, salt/pepper, coffee filters, etc.