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

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

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

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!) 

The key element is :"the intent of which is the transfer of title"in law, the intent can be the determining factor, it doesn't have to actually occur or be done in a specific manner.You can speed because you have your foot down too hard on the pedal or you can speed because you are going down hill.

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.).  

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

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.

Forming an LLC might give them liability protection and a more formal business structure, but it's not essential.3.

Essentially he's (Michael Lush) peddling using a HELOC to completely refinance your mortgage and then using it as a checking/savings account.