Reclaiming the property would be easier, cheaper and faster than eviction. 

With low purhase point, it's faster to aquire more properties.

Like a few other people said there are two sides to every story but I highly doubt his story holds any weight.

That way I can mobilize faster than a hotel and gobble up some bookings that would have went to my local Holiday Inn.

That is far faster and greater returns in the short term than REI will provide at this moment so is definitely something to consider. 

These four have gone much faster on the rehab side, but we really have a system down now and have great contractors who come out for us right away.  

If you were coming to buy the property as owner-occupied the STR permit would carry no weight anyway, but since you are it's a pretty valuable piece and more importantly, it's the long term piece...Covid is short-term and that STR permit will pay you dividends for years to come. 

While I could grow faster if I borrowed on that equity to reinvest, I view that equity as my margin of safety.

The fewer the bedrooms the faster we can fill vacancy too. 

The higher your income (assuming you don't take on mountains of student loan debt) the faster you will be able to build that portfolio.