This means that the bottom side of the home isn’t shielded from the elements.

We feel this doesn’t protect us from tenant damage (e.g., stolen smoke detectors, fire extinguishers) or cover costs for anything beyond normal wear and tear.

Aside from the obvious dangers, I’m seeking best practices and how experienced investors  in this area handle hurricane damage?

AND with STRs you have no risk of evictions (which can get to be real expensive depending on the area)  and most damages that guests do are covered by insurance (either through the rental platform it was booked through or sometimes the property management firm has added insurance too).As someone that build a large long term rental portfolio here in Illinois (I still have 40+ houses here) and somebody now building a portfolio in tennessee, I would definitely recommend looking at new construction in some of these str areas. 

If the investor fails to make payments, it could damage the seller’s credit, even if they've relinquished control of the property.Insurance Issues: A change in ownership might affect the property’s insurance policy.

Even a small claims court option might help you recover some damages later on.It’s definitely a tough situation, but focusing on getting a clear bid for the remaining work and being upfront with your lender could provide the best path forward.Wishing you the best with this—stay strong!

Under F.S. 83.595, landlords have 4 options when a tenant terminates early, one of which includes charging the tenant an early termination fee (no more than 2 months' rent), but if your lease agreement does not provide for liquidated damages upon a tenant's early termination, you have only 3 options as a landlord.

Is the water leaking from a pipe, damaged roof, clogged gutters, or some other source?

In fact, people are more likely to sell and move elsewhere if they are overwhelmed with the damages.

We rarely have issues with animals causing damage and less than 1% of all pet owners cause more damage than the security deposit will cover.Pet owners pay more and stay longer.