I assume they would uncharge repairs in some form or fashion.

I am not a tax expert and on the surface creating an entity in MO as recommended above seems practical/reasonable.

On the surface you'd be better off investing in the S&P. 

Remember to have them include Limits of disturbance, front year impervious limits,the whole property impervious surface, cantilever and roof hangover, trees to be removed in right of way, what trees that will be replacing the right of way, driveway curb cut in information.

Or should we just push through this next 1.5 year and pay off our debt the old fashion way and wait 1.5 years to buy our home because adding another mortgage payment on top of this would make it harder on our cash flow. 

On the surface it looks like the deal is fair, as you get a management fee for doing the work, however, this would depend on how much the management fee is.The management fee can be structured a number of ways, including a percentage of gross, percentage of net, monthly fee, a menu of fees, hourly etc.Regardless of how you structure, it is important to have the deal structured so that all parties interests and goals are aligned.

This came to mind when you stated you could easily pay back the lon in 3 years On the surface, what jumps to mind is your experience.

Were request handled in a timely fashion?

Only private contractors install in a cosmetically appropriate fashion. 

(d) No spikes, adhesives, screws, hooks or nails, or the like may be driven into or applied to the walls or other surfaces without our prior written consent except that small nails may be used for hanging wall decorations.