what is your response if you get an infestation of bed bugs during peak season and can't rent anything.

I may have missed the peak, but I've definitely missed the trough!

How much those units will affect the AirBnb and VRBO markets is yet to be seen but my guess would be that during peak seasons (UofA home games, gem show, ect.) you can expect to see lower occupancy than the past or potentially need to lower rates to compete.

Finally, it's probably the slowest time of the year to be renting it out, so try to get a 6 or 18 month lease so that your next attempt is timed during the peak season.  

It will allow you to focus your energy and money on more worthwhile things...I bought into the peak in Phoenix in 2004, after seeing a 20% paper profit, it fell by like 60%...

The best I can think of is that they have maximized the value and are trying to sell it at the peak.

The more closer to the peak, it is better to pay off the properties, so you have a better position to ride out the next recession.

The least amount we get is $495 per night and at peak times we get $1995 per night.

Can you peak through the windows to get a better "feel" for the interior condition?

Sure - I have used a company called High Peak Roofing and been happy with their services.