My team had this listed - offered full price knowing that the price was getting reduced to beat out another offer.

Washer and dryer included.

As far as I can tell every HOA document has something like this one form or another:The term "single family residential purposes" also shall be defined as: (1) one or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, which may include only parents and their dependent children, siblings, parents or grandparents; or (2) by no more than two unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit and their dependent children, siblings, parents or grandparents.See Article III Section 3.1 here as an example: https://1drv.ms/b/s!

I do feel that I have pretty strong business skills and acumen coupled with a strong guerilla marketing basis (Build a better mousetrap and tell everyone about it...including the mice).

The federal tax code establishes stringent criteria, including guest stays limited to seven days on average and the provision of basic hotel-like services, to qualify for this advantageous tax treatment.Understanding the mechanics of the short-term rental tax loophole is imperative.

Ask him for proof and post a notice pay includes late charge or quit to get the process started.

I haven't done str, but furnishings might/could be included. 

Build up a bank balance including emergency funds, money for a down payment and reserves for spending on repairs and maintenance on the investment property.

I just include language in the lease about utility usage and cap.

Call them up and tell them exactly what you're looking for in terms of a deal including what areas you want to buy, price range and how much work you want to put in.