They either didn't provide actual numbers as evidence, or they provided questionable numbers.Educate yourself and I think you'll find it's not worth it under any circumstance.

HELOCS right now have similiar rates due to inflation so under these circumstances cash is king especially for liquid reserves. 

I have two other buildings, and I have a high amount of credit card debt (over 50k) due to the unforeseen surprises of the latest building.

My worst case should be bottom of the barrel bookings which honestly we would almost have to try to NOT get bookings and the reason i say that is the work is done before our listing is even purchased and even launches, the budget, investment made in the home to ASSURE it can provide an experience that only homes in the top % have...because at the end of the day we're running this like a business and we're not in it to be average but with that said we do factor in a buffer for a rainy day, I.e. unforeseen renovations and usage...but for that did you know that there's STR insurance companies like proper.insure will cover a portion of lost rent for those kind of events?

I'm not up to speed on all of this, and thus why I always recommend talking to an attorney or CPA that knows what they're doing, the most recent laws, and your specific circumstances. 

I save my buyer clients money all the time with resources and experience.....I can almost guarantee everyone using the lender I recommend for them...and I have about 10 different ones I use for different circumstances will save them time, money, and energy over whoever they bring to me on their side.   

(IWe've also developed property in Orange County, CA and Bend, OR) We have a very unique set of circumstances here that is driving housing demand.

Its an unfortunate circumstance but I did give them a refund right away as soon as I found out/told them

I live in an area that under most circumstances that doesn't currently cash flow for new deals and deals are selling at a higher premium than any other place in the country.

You would do this in circumstances where you cannot assign, like selling to a hedge fund buyer, selling a HUD home or in circumstances where you do not want to disclose your fee to buyers or sellers.