A lender would have to be a fool to lend on collateral that wasn't protected - if the house is lost in a fire or whatever, the loan is unsecured at that point and is basically credit card debt. 

This would include architectural fees, new equipment, cost of protecting or defending your title to the property, or building improvements.

@Garrett Brown   I am going to focus in on this from your original post: I think identifying these markets that have a history of vacation rentals (so STR regulations are not worried about) If you believe a particular municipalities history of vacation rentals protects you against STR regulations you are mistaken.

(Kids put a lien on the property to protect their interest and pay the parents a higher amount?)

You can file a Chapter 13 which will protect your home and its a clean way out.When you file a CH.13 BK its not the end of the world it simply protects your home since its your homestead from foreclosure.

The property manager has a legal responsibility to protect your interests.

John--highly recommend you do the following to protect your interests and your property:1.

What scared in the article is the mentions of personal financial risks, LLCs not really protecting your personal assets, the amount of investors filing bankruptcy , social threats, scams, etc.Is this article over blowing these facts, trying to sell REIT ?

Just type "LLC asset protection insurance" in this forum's search box, and you will see dozens of threads on this topic. 

Have a candid conversation about how he plans to handle representing both sides and ensure you’re protected with things like a solid inspection period and contingencies.