VRBO is my last resort vacation planning. #1 reason is that VRBO prevents direct communication with the host and restrict it to filtered messages through their platform only. This a huge impediment for international travel. #2 checkin information is available only 3 days before arrival, which is a problem while traveling internationally. If there is an issue with your booking, yes it does happen, you lost valuable time in being able to address it. #3 when booking failures happen, yes they do, VRBO leaves it to you and the host to resolve. I also used to be a host and hated VRBO heavy handed relationship. I hope VRBO would only broker booking and step out of the way because they lack the commitment to either the host or the traveler and consequences can be very high. Please allow direct communication choices to suit host-guest circumstances NOT VRBO massaging.
