If you have a need, you pay out of pocket (and get the cash discount) submit the paperwork, and get reimbursed.

If you can find a slightly distressed condo to buy at a discount and improve, I think you'll be fine on a three-year timeframe.

I spent two straight weeks reading this forum.

Apologize and offer a discount on another stay or see if you can move the reservation. 1st option get Vrbo or Airbnb to cancel their reservation.

~17% discount How did you finance this deal?

They're not the straight A kids with their noses in the books and a drive (whether internal or from mom) to be on top but they're not the flunkies either. 

I recommend looking into "value add" opportunities, such as buying an investment property over the winter months for a small discount, doing the necessary upgrades (literally "adding value") and getting it ready for the September 1 move-in.

or am I just financing straight $180,000?

You might say the rent is x  but we are offering an  x month discount because of xyz (inconvenience?).   

But to those that want straight to the point in your face 100% facts and uncensored... it is very helpful.