By what metric is this the worst year in history?  

You will also need to buy for cash at least one year's worth of insurance as dictated by the lender due at closing. 

But I'm not sure saving tens of thousands on taxes -- while sounding pretty good -- is enough to offset the time and work of an STR if you don't actually want to own an STR.  

I have to finish remodeling the upper unit (my unit) and the lower unit lease was just renewed, they're quiet, pay on time, low maintenance, been there for ten years and we just renewed.

I have done a few owner finance deals over the years. 

Quote from @Ethan Maciejewski: How do I determine if a tenant should qualify for a resident who has a low credit score but good rental payment history? 

@John Scribante a drivers license for under ten dollars.

@William Whitley They bought some of them years ago!

I have to finish remodeling the upper unit (my unit) and the lower unit lease was just renewed, they're quiet, pay on time, low maintenance, been there for ten years and we just renewed.

For more than ten years I’ve listed (mostly vacant lots) FSBO on Zillow and now their customer service doesn’t respond when I email for help through their website.They used to call to verify ownership but now request documents, which I’ve uploaded but still no response after weeks of trying!