That way you aren't paying for the money unless you're using it. 

Have to assume the host thinks they can get what they're asking for the dates that aren't booked.

Quality over quantity.

If they need that to stay afloat they usually aren’t good PM’s.

I know a number of hard money lenders, but most of them aren't based in Philly

Sorry if some of the things I'm saying aren't completely accurate, still learning!

So we waited 3 days over a weekend to talk to the loan officer to make sure that what I wanted to do(put 1% down for earnest money and roll the closing fees into the loan) was possible however, when the loan officer finally said it was alright, we tried to put in the offer and found out the seller had accepted another offer that day.Am I just trying to do things with a VA loan that aren't possible?

Echoing Greg again, you will certainly want to engage an attorney to make sure that you aren't crossing any lines with the residential component of the lease.

You're better off focusing on areas that aren't so popular.

If they aren't contributing any cash why not just hire them?