I have parents co sign in certain circumstances, but if they have stipends to pay for housing i use that for source of income.  

The host (or the hotel) should not be responsible for a guest's Extenuating Circumstances.

He may represent them, but I don’t have to be forced to their terms if I don’t get desperate in those circumstances.

I would say you have the right to bill him for all costs associated with the service call under the circumstances.

@Daniel Pierson that’s an entirely different circumstance.

My advice is as you have said, to pick a strategy based on your current circumstances and "just go for it".

Each person experience and circumstances are different and in general not a good practice to compare perceived progress with others that have started out as a "Rockstar" as we don't know the background information or how accurate it is. 

Anything that even remotely beats inflation has some degree of risk, including risks to relationships, personal well being (generally mental well being), and those risks unforeseen. 

Extenuating circumstances that are out of the control of the tenant also take special consideration.

The renovation costs may include a contingency reserve and renovation-related costs.Contingency Reserves: Contingency reserves 10 % required for any unforeseen cost overruns that may occur during construction.Unused contingency reserves that were financed into the loan will be applied to the principal balance of the loan.