On the other hand, if you look at this as a "lead selling business", they are essentially reselling the same lead to multiple people for what they charge.

Essentially the market here is less expensive and there is opportunity since the hurricane.

So along with the non-paying tenant, the property management company adds its own chaotic and confusing element with their shaky communication skills.

Reminds me of a home we had in Australia where the inside had an in-ground pool but open to the elements, it was gorgeous & all the bedrooms opened to it.

One element of a legal contract is both sides have to give "consideration" which is typically money but as @Tim Swierczek mentioned, it could be your goat or it could be a service you are providing.

Simplicity, and essentially you're guaranteed no problems, because you only have to worry about the buyer, not others needing stuff. 

With furnished units the design is key - and if you've done a good job of keeping your "permanent" elements versatile and as timeless as possible, then you can change out the decor here and there to suit.

For example, if I purchase 24 months of $500/month payments, my guess is that industry standard is to agree that the party acquiring the partial interest would take a lump sum payment of $12,000 minus the amount already paid when the note is refinanced or the property sold -- essentially an acceleration clause of sorts. 

Essentially pooling all the money we could to buy properties.  

. $200 margin to me is too tight, but I don't have the same goals as you.What you are doing is essentially trying to get someone to buy a house for you.