@Alyson Gordon we were originally looking at LTR for the decreased involvement and not needing to furnish a place (and some HOAs are LTR only), but I had not considered corporate housing before; from some brief research looks like this is likely a furnish-required.

It is really difficult to get a good deal from a bank, unless you buy with cash, in a quick transaction, don't require an inspection and buy in bulk.

What are the requirements for the vetting process? 

There is so much material at your disposal for doing due diligence into a neighborhood online.

They load the card in a separate transaction online or at your kiosk.

Any delinquent loans are “put” back on the seller.From the seller’s perspective, it requires managing the complexity and liquidity requirements of outstanding options.To compensate for the transference of risk, notes with put options trade at a lower yield.- Sellers receive payment for the loan and a premium for the option.- Buyers earn a reduced yield but hold a valuable option.Much in the same way that equity yields are reduced in up markets when bought with put options.How often do you buy/sell debt with put options?

All windows are required to operate per the building code.  

He seems to suggest starting with a property that requires light to moderate repairs, reducing the risk associated with the investment.

Next, you could use rental tracking software, but really, 3 people are paying you monthly (plus what you pay every month); software might not be required at this point.

Do not be scared to politely but firmly renegotiate with these established guests to terms that fit your business plan: raise price to where you cover expenses and require that they either rent from Dec 1 or from Jan 2.