When I think of cabin, I think Colorado lodge style and that's what I want. 

They can avoid registering the property as a short-term rental with the government, avoid paying lodging taxes, and whatever else they can do to keep expenses low.

Between the spike in people traveling and the demand for lodging along side people trying to buy their primary home; it has created a perfect storm for law makers to crack down on this.

The guest also pays for the lodging tax and other taxes too.

Don't forget to factor in lodging and other taxes, marketing costs, cost to furnish, etc.In general, people want a "home away from home" where it's comfortable, clean, with all the things they would have at home to keep up their personal routine.

That said, I am looking into an accountant type person that will handle the str side of things, doing the monthly lodging tax plus do the profit /loss statements and then taking that info and running thru my personal income tax return here in Texas. 

It is defined as the following.Boardinghouse, rooming house, lodging house and tourist house shall mean a building arranged or used for the lodging, with or without meals, for compensation, by individuals who are not members of the same familyAdditionally, zoning ordinances prevent SFH and most MF to operate as a rooming house.

Be aware that people can research the DPOR (database of licensed professionals) and see if any complaints or violations have been lodged against a licensed individual.

The city and state government are aware of the vacation rental facility and its operations and has collected monthly lodging taxes for at least 15 years (can't find any financial records before that time). 

Purchase price: $295,000 Cash invested: $5,000 This 3,000+ sq ft home is one of seven properties on the Clark fork river in the city of Deer Lodge, MT.