I've been in that situation before and it sucks.Now, you might feel that your only choices are to either get mistreated while being $3000 lighter, or to take the money and potentially let other people get screwed because you didn't warn them.But there might be a third option if you can convince the business owner that negative reviews can be turned into positive results.Point out that all businesses, even the best ones, make mistakes and receive bad reviews.But the best businesses work with their customers to fix the problem and have the review edited to reflect that.

So, I expanded markets anywhere that I could self manage from San Diego, and after a few weeks of briefly studying all the markets within a 6 hour drive, I landed my focus on Bakersfield and finding deals in traditional multi family units that needed work and were severely below market rents. 10+ offers later on everything from FHA, conventional 4 unit, the seller financing route, 5+ unit commercial lending, I finally got an offer accepted as the 2nd offer weeks after it had expired.

Traditional rent would go for $650 but I estimate I'll pull in about $1,200 (gross) from Airbnb.I'm moving to California in a few months so I'll have to set up systems before I leave (cleaning, check-in, check-out, etc).

Traditional financing.

Given the overall tone of your post I would agree an index fund is probably a better choice for you

Go the traditional route to avoid points and fee's.

My 2 cents: I could be wrong, but from reading your posts it feels like you might ready be trying to talk your way into this situation as being a good investment choice just so you can keep the house in the family.

@Shayla RogersMost HML will not do a traditional pre-approval. 

Hard money lenders are easy to work with and quick to issue payment etc but the drawback is that they are more expensive as a traditional bank.Renovations and scope of workThis was a full gut rehab.

Spend a day in each area and drive around to learn the areas, the local traditions etc.