No disagreement with your approach at all surfmom. I agree my system is not for everyone.

Let's tell it like it is. You are willing to spend money for your peace of mind. Use an agency, use a credit card. You are not willing to take the risk of a property not being as advertised. Or at least want to minimize your risk and provide yourself with a way of recouping your money if things go wrong.

I use a different approach to achieve the same thing. I wait till after arrival and can see what I am paying for before I pay for it. Not better or worse, simply an alternative approach that works for me.

But the vast majority of those using VRBO, AirBnB, et al. are taking a risk. I have no problem with that either, all I have said is they have to accept the risk that comes with that approach.

There is nothing for anyone to actually argue about. They can't deny there is a risk. What also makes no sense is for someone to come on here and post, 'help alleviate my unease'. NO ONE can take away the risk and that is the only real answer the OP should expect. Accept the risk or find another way to rent a place that is safer.

<i><font color=#555555>"What also makes no sense is for someone to come on here and post, 'help alleviate my unease'. NO ONE can take away the risk and that is the only real answer the OP should expect. Accept the risk or find another way to rent a place that is safer."</font></i>

Sometimes, hearing about the risks from experienced travelers can calm first-time renter anxieties and provide support and information that guides one through the process of illumination (and elimination). I totally understand why someone would come here to post "please help alleviate my unease." A simple conversation with someone who understands the nature of this risk has the power to motivate and arm an inexperienced traveler with additional courage and insight.

Yes, the bottom line here is: There is risk when renting a vacation property, regardless of agency, owner, or private manager. Many vacation properties are rented without proper legal clearances. Pick your poison and learn to deal. There is also risk when booking into a hotel. The voices of people who hate their room and fight to change it upon arrival is ubiquitous on Trip Advisor. When boutique hotels are fully booked, there is no spare room to offer the unhappy customer who got stuck with the worst room on the property. Either you deal with or let it ruin your vacation.