I realize that there are variables from market to market and property to property that could make VRBO more effective for a given property, but my understanding is that in general Airbnb bookings get out to such a dominant start in regard to percentage of the bookings, that VRBO and other lesser OTAs have trouble catching up.

As a community I think we should focus on helping people who have had their housing situation negatively impacted recover as quickly as possible.

Don't know how to analyze a deal effectively?

Saying it wasn't in the lease or @Kevin Sobilo saying it just comes down to one person's word against another would negate virtually every crime.   

You also will still need to manage your property manager  - ie, stay on top of expenses, ensuring your property is being managed effectively etc. 

I want to know is it more cost effective or easier to purchase the property alone and put it in a mortgage in our name or purchase the LLC from him that holds the property within it.

You are not even scooping your initial investment so your cash on cash return is negative.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

@Lourdes Caballero  I agree with you wholeheartedly that negativity does no one any good. 

Where I live, we still have a severe shortage of homes--median time on market is still 7 days and it would likely be shorter if not for delayed negations being the norm.