I'd go over the legit fears that people have with STR ('extra wear and tear', etc.) and how I meditate them.Then I'd reach out to owners and explain that yes, I'd like to lease your unit as a short term rental. 

Hey there,Hope I can learn from all the experienced landlords here...I just had my inspection completed, for an investment townhome I'm interested in Baltimore, MD.The house is ~120 years old, and besides the expected wear and tear, it is in a good shape overallHowever, most of the windows as "past their EOL" and also, when opened, they do not stay up.The house inspector told me that this could be a liability issue, if something happens to a tenant/child, due to a window shuts down on them.Two questions, if I may - 1.

Granted, we all put our blood, sweat, and tears into acquiring, renovating, and maintaining an STR. 

Young kids like that are very high risk to tear stuff up, wild parties, etc.

It will be a lot less wear and tear on your unit.

I need to tear up the carpets out and replace it with vinyl or hardwood.

I had to tear out kitchen cabinets, appliances, carpets, vanity, and wall mounted a/c's because of the filth and roach smell!

Or if they are not tearing the place up and are good tenants you could always let it slide.

Some jurisdictions dont care at all, some will grandfather it in, some will not allow it to be sold, some may actually make you tear it down.Put a call into the local building or housing inspector and ask them how it is handled in that jurisdiction.  

You can't pay them to hold up a wall all day so basically the texture, prime & paint stage, and/or tearing out bad areas or old nasty carpet to bare wood.