As far as screening, I use smart move from TransUnion.  

Start a company, hire people, and make FAR more money doing it the smart way then collecting doors.Look at my business for a moment.

I don't mean at all that your choice to sell your airbnb biz is a bad choice-- It sounds like you have reflected on the options and made the choice that is right for you. 

Not sure if I have a choice in this situation- any suggestions?

There was a lot of smart money sitting and waiting for a pullback in pricing.The main problem that agents are going to have over the next several months, or years, is all of the complainers and naysayers.

My choices right now seem to be walk away and lose the deposits or live with this a$$hole for an unknown amount of time without any income.

The deal needs to be able to stand on its own, and not contingent on everything going right in the rehab, rehabs will always have problems (over time/over budget)  You make your money when you buy so make sure you are buying smart.

@Sri L.Awesome striking and smartly thought in this period of time.

When analyzing a potential deal, which is a better indicator of a smart investment, cap rate, or a cash-on-cash return?

There are some really smart enterprising folks who are making a go of it and are getting ahead on the reservations.