My opinion is that nobody knows what will happen in the future. 

If so, will I have an issues selling this property in the future?

The problem you will run into is that since once its on the internet, it is there forever, future buyers can see those pictures and if they find them and ask if you had it remediated and your response is "Umm, ya I killed it with bleach" they are gunna walk.

I know it depends on what it looks like inside, but does this spell disaster or extra future expense?

Considerations are how much for the option to purchase/ (the right to purchase at a specific price in the future) Ideally for you the answer is zero.How long to exercise the option?

I have had an inner battle since day one when planning/projecting future business growth.

Seems like this would sort of kill the future possibility of STRs?

It can save you thousands on taxes as well as future liability problems. 

Sounds like a lot of Extra Strength Excedrin in your future if you go that route.

I am a big believer in being patient on the buy - aggressive on the paydowns as my tenants pay me monthly cash flow in the present and monthly principal reductions for the future.