As for AirBnb itself - they are far easier to work with and get the hang up than VRBO. 

It's incredible how much you can travel for cheap/free if you learn to point stack and search for flights in advance. 

So if a 100% cash transaction doesn't make sense just have the partner who is easier to underwrite get the conventional loan.   

I have clients that have these kinds of arrangements, and while it is easier when an org fills your units, you can lose control of maintenance and cleanliness.

In high season, people generally stay for longer periods of time and things are humming a bit easier.

There they have a much higher likelihood to get tenants who will pay not to mention respect the property and make things easier for everyone. 

However, fact patterns are frequently similar and and become easier to resolve (or run away from).The property is subject to competing spousal claims.

I will say though, based on every point you've tried to make before this your credibility and ability to tell if a PM is good or not is incredibly questionable.

Magistrates tend to have long memories and also tend to hold grudges against local incompetent landlords.So if he wakes up and talks to someone with any brains and experience, this won't go to court, but he'll start looking for another excuse to get rid of you, something much easier to argue in court.

It feels more organized and easier to follow the thread