As for liablity for a mom and pop landlord I agree do the best you can and have proper insurance..

In fact if you don't do proper due diligence some are "traps" with bad layouts, fire damage, and tiny sized lots. 

Sounds like the county failed on multiple levels including not giving proper notice, not sending notices to the correct address, etc. 

@Kyle Carter we manage around 700 doors, with 92 of them being S8.When S8 applicants are properly screened, they can statistically perform a decent amount better than cash-tenants.

One city near me is checking all garage enclosures, giving nice notice to get them permitted, which they may or may not grant, and if you don't get it properly permitted by December 31, says they will start fining people. 

Not every lot will allow you to STR even though sevier county and the city propers do have specific zoning that allows it so you don't have to worry about them ever rescinding that right. 

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.

Given that the difference in the two is often only $150 or so (just bought a new washer dryer pair for myself at Home Depot)...

Avoid rushing into a distant market without proper research or a trusted team—it’s a recipe for setbacks.

i.e. single proper Buyer agreement, exclusive buyer agreement, etc.Does the principal broker her a signed agency disclosure with this party?