As a custom builder for decades, I dealt with this way more than once, especially with new subs that had not worked for me before.Back in the old days we used to just go with a verbal ok, but in the last 20 years or so, it is imperative to have a written CO (even an email sent from the jobsite) from the Sub and then I would add 20-25% and submit a CO of my own to the customer.

Ironically, Waco outlawed all new STR's in residential zoning a few months after I created this post.

Might be something to look into. 

Can you get somebody transferring in to rent the house for their 2-3 year tour? 

Don't use sheet vinyl--tears way too easily.  

Screwing a 4x4 screen into a roof would probably not show up as an "installation". 

Hope this helps!

There street has a majority of mixed use buildings.

This is my opinion only. 

I am working through this structure with a number of clients right now from a tax perspective.I highly recommend Mark Fetzer at KKOS - I work with him often on these clients and he is set up to advise in Texas.