That means we essentially have to stay solid booked those months with a few bookings in the off months to hit 50%.

I am so glad that Vrbo brings me 95% of my bookings.

You've made 3 similar posts, which leads me to believe you're looking for the proverbial, "shortcut to success".There is none.How many of the books available on BiggerPockets have you read?

Not if your bookings come mainly from Vrbo. 

We are currently on a 10 day tour in Italy.

Are the rentals booked last minute in the area?

I don't want last minute bookings to try to fill open dates left by wafflers.

You should obtain a copy of a book published 45 years ago “Invest in Debt” by Jimmy Napier and a book still available on Amazon, Swapping Real Estate for Fun and Profit by Paul Kelley.  

I've been listening to real estate investment podcasts for years, as well as reading all of the books I can get my hands on.

Many tax professionals will be fully booked by then.