I'm probably overthinking this, but is it common practice to provide any kind of cable TV or Netflix etc. in a STR?

I can say the number of private messages I received lately from people offering private money is off the charts, which I also find comical as they clearly did not read my profile - and yes my response back is not very kind to them. 

I have cleaning services, handymen, plumbers and kind of an electrician I call should the properties need something.

Again, an attorney can help you determine if you have a strong stance/case against the neighbor or not.You also need to consider your own carrier's response to this claim, and perhaps even visit with them about possible subrogation.

Obviously Dubai is a incredible city to visit and it will remain as the center of the middle east.

These kinds of deals look good on paper, but they usually never pan out to be good investments.

What kind of calculations should I use to determine whether or not this is a good idea?  

I’d like to trade it for this kind of property in this place. 

Look for areas that are going to generate a lot of visits year round.

Guests treat those kinds of bookings differently than a STR vacation home.They are used to being able to cancel the booking 24 hours in advance and all sorts of other things that STRs like ours can't really accommodate.