I assume they would uncharge repairs in some form or fashion.

Or should we just push through this next 1.5 year and pay off our debt the old fashion way and wait 1.5 years to buy our home because adding another mortgage payment on top of this would make it harder on our cash flow. 

Were request handled in a timely fashion?

Only private contractors install in a cosmetically appropriate fashion. 

Is this an independent manager or is this person connected to Airbnb in some fashion?

He has helped my clients in the past house hack in the Orlando area in a similar fashion that you are looking to accomplish. 

Amy,I've not used them with steam heat, but have used them with hydronic (hot water) systems - both the old-fashioned wax-plug/mechanical kind and the newer, electronic types.Many of the newer electronic one allow the the use of a remotely mounted thermostat and some can even be programmed for set-back times (i.e. during the work day or at night).When compared to manual radiator valves, and the humans who will not remember to adjust them, either kind of thermostatic valve will save you energy and money, but the newer electronic ones with remote thermostats/sensors and, optional programability, will save more.

@Steve NafzigerOld fashion market research can go a long way.AirDNA is supposed to be very helpful on this regard as well.

Just an old fashioned clanking steam radiator.

So, we're preparing a packet to be sent the old fashioned way.