While he was already in a work program (maintenance in a local hotel) and came HIGHLY recommended by both his supervisors (so highly recommended they provided him with furniture and cooking products since he came with nothing) and his parole officer, his tenancy with me lasted only four months. 

You can start an airbnb arbitrage with around $10k with furniture, and you'll be off to the races.

The most frequently seen in the SEC 8 arena would be furniture rental companies, credit card companies, old landlords, cell phone and utility companies.  

Then as a landlord, do you have your own furniture, appliances..etc?

Is there a way to utilize some of the $125k for furnishing(furniture and housewares) and upgrades to the property (new flooring, paint, pool)? 

We are finding furniture and trash being dump at our trash site that does not belong to tenant that live at the apt complex.

As for the furnishings, one of the options I provide landlords with, is to keep the purchased furniture after the trial period, and offer the unit as a furnished rental to the next tenant.

It becomes more than moving furniture in a day or two ahead of time.

Also buy your appliances and furniture ahead of time when you find a bargain, even though you don't have an STR to put them in.

@Juan Duque For 29%, they're doing literally everything except providing the unit, furniture, utilities & repairs. 29% includes cleaning, marketing, turning over, concierge services, toiletries, answering emails/calls... all of it.