I am a big fan of it and you managed to do without with very little money down! 

Is it better than Hard Money loans?

Like wise, any one had success in selling their lot?

That you wisely build in the costs for replacement linens and towels (also offer black face towels), possibly don't use high-end top-down shades in the Bunk Room (although those black out shades match all the shades in the rest of the house and it's a high-end property), chalk can be brushed, semi-gloss on walls for easier clean-up... and yes, there are clear check-out directions to run the dishwasher provided via an online guest book, a physical guest book, and an email I send regarding check-out the day before they check-out.

To save money on closing costs and interest.

As I've seen for myself, after getting to know them, we asked them if they would like to leave some of their money in as equity, and they agreed.

Tax basis wise this will be a ***** to manage.

I would not cash out a retirement account.I would take your STR income and use the profits to pay down the money you borrowed for the STR downpayment.Leverage low interest Stafford loans for college.

I do not want to put money into stock market right now.

Humans are a pack-animal, eon's of a village wise-man, and that's what these positions fulfill today.