Taking the bookings directly can net you more money, take power away from the platforms to issue refunds, and protect you from other platform issues.Once you are set up with the site I recommend making a new forum post about ideas how to increase your conversions. 

However, there is a concept in law that the parties of a dispute must try to resolve the issue before just coming to court.

Hey Chad, I think it would be worth it if you have a good safety budget.

I.e. a single family to a multi family.

Once you tell them they have to leave for the refund to be issued they will sometimes back down and decide to stay. 

From what I see there are two separate issues that may or may not be solved concurrently.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

Were you targeting a single family home or multi-unit property?

I would prioritize the drainage issue above all else, If the garage is still usable for the time being I would leave it be for now and try and do it in between renters, that way you can actually potentially profit from it. 

Everyone seems to think this is only an affordability issue.