Besides the technical aspects how has it been knowing there is someone living so close and dealing with any potential noise conflicts (loud TV or whatever)?

Not sure about mixing seniors and 20 somethings there may be conflicts over noise and common area cleanliness.

I think it would be awkward if you raise the rent after a year, might cause conflict between you two. 

This avoids any conflicts of interest. 

Part of me thinks this is the lower conflict route but part of me thinks the cats will do way more in damages than the $1,600 I would get in pet fees over four months.

Your lack of action raises concerns about a conflict of interest and you’re neglecting your fiduciary duty.

I have my personal emergency fund stored away in a HYSA, and am working to build up a15k property reserve as well, but am conflicted on where to keep that 15k. 

🎯Your QI should be:Independent from your transactionFree from conflicts of interestFocused solely on exchange servicesClear about their role limitationsPRO TIP: Per IRC §1031(k), your QI cannot be:Your agentYour attorneyYour CPAYour realtorYour relativewithin 2 years of the exchange!

I keep finding conflicting information and the IRS website doesn't specifically mention using an RV as a STR.

There is a flaw in the business model and thier internal processes need a lot of work.First the good,Yes, I got paid every month.Nomad found me good renters.Next the badDue to needing to make the guaranteed rent they rented my unit below market valueIn communicating with Nomad they were disorganized, often sending conflicting messages and not alignedNomad offered to find me a repair company, that compnany charged $400 for a $25 dollar part and I was stuck with Nomad saying "not their problem" and the vendor saying Nomad was the client not me.Nomad was horrible to my renters as their property management term ended.