I've had some not happy when I have asked them to split it out.I've tried asking questions to the IRS customer service reps, and didn't have the best luck.While I cannot cite a specific official guidance on this issue, I consider debit cards exempt.

Not every STR has to be a 4 Seasons and even those I've waited on service before and it's not like someone was breathing down their neck waiting to revoke their hotel license when it happened. 

They repeatedly charge me for cleaning services while my property has been vacant for 2+ months.

And yes I would recommend my services :) Hey @Donald Hatter!

That person is responsible for anyone one else that comes into contact with your property.I suggest using a service like Mayistay.

Though it may cash flow well based on their current debt service, when you compare the income it produces to the equity they have is it actually even a good investment for them from an ROI perspective or would they be better off liquidating and redeploying?

Having a lease in place will help you as well - some lenders won't refi a vacant property.For your refi, you're usually looking at 75-80% max LTV with a debt service loan.

See responses to your questions below: Correct, California is uniqueTo qualify for REPS you need to meet a number of criteria, including (but STRs that meet IRS criteria generally don't need REPS to leverage tax benefits): More than 50 percent of his/her time working in real property businesses; AND, More than 750 hours of service during the year.

They paired me up with a member service advisor for 60 days, who checks in on you once a week and helps find content for you and keeps you accountable.

Quote from @Lori Edelman: Quote from @Katee Welte: As we recall Lori you chose to not use our services on your own.