I have read on the internet that some parts are and some parts aren't safe.

This is also my purpose for sharing the experience with the BP community and the internet community so that people are more informed.

At first we thought he was just incredibly incompetent and over his head, and we wearily gave him some patience to get his act together all the while pressing him for at least partial payment.

You have an incredible background that sets you up well for what's ahead. 

Why would you include internet in rent?

Banking relationships are incredibly important in this business, especially as you grow your business.  

The idea is they want to add more long term rentals to the market to help with affordability.The mid-term market is interesting but then you are covering utilities, internet, etc.

Finding information this way is often faster when necessary information couldn't be obtained directly through the internet.That's the old fashion way of doing things before the internet.  

Without beating around the bush, and being an uncle to a kid with asperger's that's incredibly intelligent I would definitely harness this differently than a kid without asperger's.

Once you understand these basic things (a several more) you will be in an educated position to put in credible offers that can turn into successful ventures.