This is a difficult situation all around and I don’t envy your situation....The fact remains that life happens and you can’t let things out of your control destroy your rental returns.

 I've been watching and listening to podcasts about AirBnB rentals and have been really inspired by Zeona McIntyre - she's here on BP. 

I don't envy you- did you do a credit check/job check? 

You don't have to fire your handyman, if he's a good worker....but it sounds like he'll be more of an asset AFTER the major repairs have been completed.For what it's worth, this is a REALLY inspiring story!  

Kiyosaki's  book inspired me to buy my first condo in 2002.

That's a compelling reason that continues to inspire me every day. 

It’s not something buyers look at and gleam with envy to have.

You can give an awful lot of people all the knowledge in the world and they'll sit on their butts and twiddle their thumbs and pray for enlightenment forever rather than actually do anything.Stop blowing inspirational double-talk up people's butts. 

This will minimize your time showing the place and when people show up and see other people looking this will inspire a sense of urgency for them to apply.

@Victor Vella inspiring words.