Also tell them that you need a key as it is your house and if there is an emergency you need to get in. 

Try a company called ilovescottsdale.comThey are responsive and have flat STR fees with no hidden surprise fees.

This is not surprising, as people are also earning a very good income in plumbing supplies, accounting services, and smoothies shops.  

I put boric acid powder around the entire perimeter of the inside of the house and it pretty much wiped the scorpions out and kept them from coming back, but then a couple started to emerge but nothing like it was before.

I am surprised that you can cancel the contract.

I would just keep that in mind as you network.Try to do deals for yourself if you haven't already, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what that does for your career :)  Hope this helps!

Every distressed property (assuming you want to add value) has surprises. 

How long will it take you to save an emergency fund of $10,000 dollars?

You can rent out a second home as an AIRBNB or VRBO and also transition it into a permanent rental in a short period of time.You mentioned talking to multiple people and it does not surprise me as the bank/lending industry is full of new comers, loan officers with no investor options or lack of knowledge. 

You don't need to, but I've always given my bank a heads up so there's no surprises.