What new AI tools are you finding most useful today as both an investor/cash buyer of some sort?

You’re in a great spot with lots of options.From a tax perspective, your STR could qualify as a non-passive business if the average stay is under 7 days and you manage it yourself.That opens the door for a cost segregation study and big bonus depreciation write-offs often opportunities that many CPAs who don't specialize in real estate miss.Like others have mentioned above, you can’t do a Solo 401(k) with just W2 income, but if you treat the STR as a business and pay yourself for managing it, that income could qualify, giving you another powerful retirement planning tool.Next steps: start by finding a tax strategist or CPA who really understands real estate and short-term rentals, and an estate planning attorney to protect what you’re building.

Calling it "insurance" is generous, given that they attempt to recoup the money from the guests at the expense of the host's reputation and future revenue. 

Did they pay you all of your contractually agreed upon late fees?

It’s funny — we spend so much time hunting for deals, analyzing cap rates, and negotiating offers…but the part that actually determines how much wealth we keep often gets ignored.
I’m talking about the business side ...

Did you start with financing the 6 and paying them off?

I would do cash, wire, bill pay from bank to bank or ACH to get the money. 

Recognize your generous, kind actions will not always workout the way you (and everyone) desires it to.  

Being generous with information pays for itself and will give you an idea of how successful and collegial your future neighbors are. 

It seems after covid and 'eviction protections' a fair number of people have learned they can game the system and just never pay/stop paying for months and expect that if they pick back up paying all is good.