If the days on market are short, then possibly, otherwise this is a walk-away."

The short answer is yes, they should provide you with an itemized reciept and if they are markign up, that should be a clear line item.

Their online banking software is pretty nice though.

If you take title to the property as an LLC with you as the only member (and that elects to be taxed as a sole proprietor) then the property will still be reported on your joint tax return and that would be fine.When you sell you can sell as that LLC and buy as the same LLC or another disregarded LLC, or as you, or as you and your wife, or as just your wife.

I hadn't planned on using Airbnb or VRBO, but I suppose this could change depending on my progress using Furnished Finder.

Does anyone invest or have insight on Murphy, NC as a STR market?

It depends on what your long term strategy is though.

What are the best strategies you’ve used to minimize this risk and keep projects on track? 

@Chris Packer Chris, Gino is spot on.

Same thing on their side, they should have had this written in the contract.