Likely your best solution is to do a 1031 exchange. 

With the ever changing market, I'm looking to learn about how everyone else is finding solutions to the challenges we are facing. 

I've seen many responses from contractors, saying they've got to buy materials, pay their workers, etc and if they don't know you, you should expect to pay a deposit.I can see both sides of the problem.Contractors, if I foot the bill for the materials, your risk is lessened.How can I propose a fair solution to my contractors?

Quote from @Matthew Drouin: Small wine town is all I needed to hear.Seasonal tourism is usually not a great industry in which to build a sustainable business.There are probably higher and better uses of your capital near high velocity metro areas.We have small wine towns near our city in the finger lakes region of western NY.  

Assuming these are in decent areas, this is the best solution.

A better solution, in my opinion, is not to rely on wholesalers,  as not only is it a dying breed due to the sheer incompetence they exhibit due to gurus' wrong instructions and teachings, but, wouldn't it be better to generate your own leads through a high performing website?

From what I’ve read in the Wall Street Journal, companies like ALE Solutions specialize in placing displaced families.. so you might want to explore partnering with them.

While it’s not uncommon for full-service managers, you might find lower rates (~10-15%) or alternative solutions like co-hosting services, especially if you handle bookings, rate adjustments, or guest communication yourself.

I'm thinking that repairing the plumbing leaks and getting the soil dried out could be a permanent solution.   

It sets you up for a more focused, confident, and sustainable start.