talk to the dept of health first (records requirements etc), establish what upgrades/maintenance required, line up a reliable repair/handyman/type person, consult lawyer, and then make your offer, see if you can buy the land it's on via lot line adjustment (ideal scenario). a lot to be aware of, such as system upgrades or county code changes bringing in the requirement to add metered connections to an older small system, for just one example.Otherwise- owner doesn't want to manage, I doubt you really do either but could be wrong. 

I offered if we made an exception there would be a fee for deep cleaning to rectify and pet odors allergens etc.

Schools are another big issue.. and as we age availability to health care..

In addition consider other documents you will need to have on hand like Pet Addendums, Notice to Vacate, Lease Extensions, Lease Assignments, etc.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

Of course, we were monitoring the situations and asked neighbors to quiet down on occasions, but because they still occasionally made noise (regular household noise, not massive, all-night parties), and I didn't evict, then I'm not accommodating her needs.Does anyone know of any special accommodations that need to be made for mental health reasons (as opposed to handicapped access, etc) that I need to know about before going to court?

@Samuel Ksiazkieicz and @Amy LuThere are various companies like foremost, diamond preferred, Aegis, North Pointe.. based on location, rental loss coverage, swimming pool in property or not, pets etc.; the rates are different for various locations.Normally, I use an agent; who helps to locate the  best price. 

Quote from @Brian Barch: I agree that this sounds like a pet project for you, which again is totally fine if you are okay with spending your money in that way.To me, the STR market (and from what I hear about the smokies) is on a downward trend.  

You are not a guarantor of weather, peoples' health and welfare, or unthinkable tragedies, just like the guest isn't responsible for the duties and obligations of owning a rental.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.