It sounds like you’re in a great position to succeed, given your extensive renovation expertise.As a fellow real estate investor, I completely understand how challenging it can be to choose the right design elements, especially when you want to make a space appealing to potential buyers.

So, they could potentially buy another house later on.

The sellers had put so much pots, plants, planters and shrubs out that I thought there were too many plants/planters that would require a new owner to upkeep.After a few potential buyer tours/showings, the owner heard all the comments (via the security cameras) about how there was a "lot going on with the plants and stuff out front".

A second STR in a market with year-round cash flow potential might balance out your portfolio and give you more consistent income.

When evaluating potential properties, consider three exit strategies: if you can sell quickly for a profit, hold it as a rental, or take a loss.

Their success speaks volumes however, its a bit much for me to stomach for a potential benefit. 

When filing the LLC return, it is important to ensure that these liabilities are accurately reflected on the balance sheet.However, it's essential to note that distributing the refinance proceeds among LLC members could potentially be viewed as a taxable event if there is no intent to repay these amounts to the LLC.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

I have a pretty large emergency fund in place for those properties, but I wonder if that capital could be better employed elsewhere (potentially acquire another property).  

This is not the norm right now, but I do believe over the next several years, we will see more sellers accepting this asset due to its potential and hedge against the deflating dollar.