So my question is where's that line between a genuine initial offer and an insulting lowball offer? 

Hi everyone,I had a situation today that I’d love your input on as fellow hosts.A guest who had a confirmed reservation reached out on the same day as check-in to ask if they could change the dates to after thanksgiving.While I always aim to be flexible when possible, this request came after today’s booking was already locked in, and allowing the change would mean I lose that night’s income with very little chance of rebooking last-minute.To be clear — the guest is not asking to cancel (initially wanted to cancel but now ...), just to move the entire reservation to new dates, which Airbnb typically treats as a modification.

That could mean you will sit on that property without much appreciation for 3-5 years in some cases not even enough to get out your initial capital.There is a "Ton of Ugly Inventory" out there to buy cash flow but also offers a good ARV in a short period of time with little rehab/renovations.

Which leads us to why not charge market rent and give the thousands per year to a charity or your church or your family.

This is a business, not a charity.  

I don't see how that job could even be completed for $7k unless they are doing charity work.

(Not what you’re looking for, but if you donate to charity otherwise, this is an option for taxes).Short-term rentals help with income taxes, not investment gains.  

So $12,000 in sales taxes paid would get canceled out by a $1,000/mo Section 8 voucher.And @Remington Lyman can go to Hell with this Charity crap counting towards the voting system.

.🏘️ Community Donations: Contributing to local charities, shelters, or community events near your property may be tax-deductible if donated to a registered nonprofit (501(c)(3)).🧤 Property Improvement Drives: Donating old appliances, furniture, or materials from renovations to nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity can qualify as a charitable deduction.Pro Tip:Before December 31st, review your receipts, invoices, and bank statements.

There is poor correlation between initial cash flow and actual long term cash flow.