The "guidelines" are as clear as mud, IMO likely to discourage litigation but perception is reality so I put that in my lease so that a lying tenant would have to guess both what I would do and what the courts would do too. . . 

A lot of it is perception by the buyer.

Is it as challenging as it is reported to be or is that just a perception issue?

A survey is a measure of sentiment and not based on fact but rather commonly held perception 

Instead, I will let the community discuss who is good, who is bad, and call out their perceptions of the unethical/unprofessional. 

I'm not sure if this being my first property and first tenant is clouding my perceptions.

I guess one's perception of the event is heavily dependent on a particular attendee's frame of mind to begin with.

The perception and it may be true is that the tenant paying all their own rent is one crisis shy of failing to pay. 

Buyer Perception and Emotional ConnectionStaged Homes:81% to 82% of buyers’ agents (NAR 2023) reported that staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home, enhancing emotional connection.bankrate.comcharterfurnituresolutions.com58% of buyers’ agents said staging positively influences most buyers’ views of the home, and 40% noted that buyers were more likely to visit a staged home seen online.charterfurnituresolutions.com83% of buyers’ agents (IAHSP) stated staging helps buyers envision living in the home.vanderblue.comStaged homes create a “move-in ready” impression, highlighting key features and downplaying flaws, which can lead to quicker decisions and higher offers.virtualstaging.comkmmrealty.comNon-Staged Homes:Non-staged homes, especially vacant ones, fail to create an emotional connection, with 90% of buyers struggling to visualize beyond what they see, per HouseHunt.com.robinrealtygroup.comUnstaged homes may appear cluttered, outdated, or empty, leading to unimpressive first impressions and overlooked features.kmmrealty.com5.

However, note that OP has $100k.Ok so here is the problem Mike, you using "Liar Math" and very incorrect perception of things.