Before listing it, I had lots of expenses, including painting, floor refinishing, plumbing repairs, staging, cleaning, etc.In a 1031 exchange, I purchased two small multifamily homes which also have some roof work, painting, plumbing, etc. 

My point is cash has no exclusivity on being legally clean and far from it.

Then you also have it for the cleaners as needed.Then I would schedule some time for you to head over and do a full deep clean on the carpets yearly if they don't get messed up in between.

I went to Federa's website and found SmartBuy DIY where I did by myself every process from start to finish.

This is not a DIY kinda thing. 

b) I was initially thinking short-term rental, which is where that surge of requests came from but it feels like a lot of work as I would be doing the turns/cleaning for most part so what are the pros-cons of mid-term? 

I am not sure about what you are reflecting in the cleaning number but for me 1) it is shocking what cleaners charge but it is not where you want to try to save money for quality 2) it is a pass through, the guest pays it. $250 per turn would be for larger unit and very good job.  

You can also rent Yurts, treehouses, or your own RV on the platform for more than a bare campsite, but that gets into too much cleaning and upkeep for the spirit of it.

Our counsel previously advised we are legally entitled to a greater amount including all lost rent until the home was re-signed, cost of lock-out, cost to clean up house, physical damage, ect.For context, this is a solid house in a decent neighborhood and we never had prior issues with the tenant. 

You are mention the higher costs for MTR-- I would adjust the cleaning fee and add incidental insurance like Waivo to cover those costs.