You can just have people rebook if they want.We bought our lake house for use to use on occasion as well.

On top of that, we have found that homes with a great view (forest or lake view), or proximity to the clubhouse tend to book better. 

not an expert at this.. but the few times i have rented STR I don't even look at reviewsI rent by price.. as its usually for a fishing trip and I just want a bed bathroom and close to the lake or river LOl could care less about a review. 

Jerome, I lived in Lake Charles for a little while on a job contract!

@Nathan M kiefer Interesting, I've looked into Ocean Lakes.

I recently had a client purchase a duplex in Forest Park here in the western suburbs with this exact plan in mind.

Lake Highlands, Richardson? 

I have an opportunity to do so in Southwestern Michigan (not Detroit)...90 minutes from Chicago and 5 minutes to the beaches of Lake Michigan.

So we have all Bassett and La-Z-Boy furniture in our lake house and it has been great.

Most successful STR owners I work with in the Pocono's/Lake Wallenpaupack PA utilize only someone to clean, and a few local handymen.