I'm a more seasoned investor so I won't just write off the appraisal. 

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

And things could still get rockier, but hopefully your expertise and seasoned investments mean your overall risk profile is very low.

Structuring your lease in this way would benefit you by 1) locking in a longer term contract to avoid turnover costs and vacancy loss; 2) it moves your lease end date out of the winter season and into spring/summer of 2026 so it can be more easily marketed and re-rented to match the seasonal demand cycle; and 3) it avoids any upset/angry tenants who may have been incorrectly assuming their rent was going to stay in the $1,200 range after their first 6-month lease term.Would love to hear any updates you have on how this one shakes out for you though!

Yes, I also welcomed the extra revenue as a way to even out the seasonal income fluctuations of my other ventures. 

Although one person owes me a King Cake next Mardi Gra season. 

Just wanted the opinion of more seasoned investors.

Will be a better question for your CPA in my opinion, they'll have better visibility into what strategy will work best before filing season and EOY. 

It scares me thinking about trying the Airbnb route but this area has two distinct tourist seasons in the summer and winter so it might be worth it for at least some of the units.

In off season when its a mid term rental I manage.