I was a Director of Sales with a 25 year career in medical devices. 

As a user who spends a lot of time viewing/interacting with the forums from a mobile device (iPhone), I just wanted to provide some feedback on a couple recent changes that I've noticed. 

Hi Rebecca,There are plumber installable devices known as sewer backflow prevention devices.You might want to talk to a plumber and see if installing one (or more) of these might help keep this from happening in the future.Here is a good demonstration of large one for the main discharge line: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

He told us it does, and we'd find it listed on a device.

BTW, research the law carefully, an agent may not be a good source for legal device.

All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserved.So, if your "teacher", "mentor" or whatever else they claim to be is proposing using contracts to broker real estate without being licensed or owning the property, they are teaching ILLEGAL practices at YOUR expense.

Geneva is indeed a melting pot, I am sure the socio-economic challenges you face in Lyons are not too dissimilar to Geneva.

My take on the property wasnt all that dissimilar from a property half the price.  

Make it a point in your property rules to have tenants maintain proper egress, clean the home regularly, use the ventilation devices appropriately, and report to you in a timely manner any mold or moisture problems.Here is a clause from our rental agreement that covers this....MAINTENANCE OF PREMISES.Landlord will maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by Landlord in good working order.Landlord will perform periodic inspections of the premises, no less than once a year, for the purpose of property maintenance and repair.Landlord will notify Tenant in advance of the inspection.

Anything to help me seem less random and crazy.I do not yet have personal experience as a host (my apartment is not an option -- entry is super-complicated and tied to a 'precious' FOB device), but I've watched closely as my girlfriend has successfully Airbnb'd her townhome in DC and she has already suggested that I list her as a partner.