Costs will be higher with this route, but it would accomplish your design to not have any one individual "on the hook" for non-performance of the loan.However, I'd encourage you to either be comfortable with the liability in the deal or to not do the deal.  

Furthermore would the comfort level justify gas. 

Vernon is not the most logical choice in the area however, We are nervous enough being our first property, keeping it close to home so that we can learn how to be managers and owners at the same time brings us both much needed comfort.Going forward, after we are comfortable with this unit we plan on focusing on the Indianapolis are since our daughter and her family live there.Again, thank you for all of the time that you have devoted to this property.

In the end, I don't think its unreasonable at all if you are not comfortable.  

The correct answer is the one that makes both you and your husband the most comfortable.

Are you more comfortable working with a team or an individual?

The key is finding the middle ground where you sleep enough people that you’re not leaving money on the table, but that the guests will be comfortable and have enough room/privacy during their stay.

Alternately, you could charge "pet rent" - I would do whatever is the local custom in your market.I would create a pet policy you are comfortable with. 

I'm not sure how to structure it so that your contractor/investor would be comfortable with the deal without transferring the title though.

I think this comes down to your comfort level and how much risk are you willing to take on.