First-time renter questions

Just heard about Redweek today and decided to join and pay the membership fee to see the available rentals. I really like this site. As I am new to this, I had several questions:

-Is it an option to pay with Paypal? I am most comfortable paying with a credit card via Paypal. I would be hesitant to send large sums of money to someone I didn't know without some security. I saw the escrow service option, but the charges seemed high if the potential rental is just $500-$1000.

-Actual cost? If a listing is for say $300/night for 7 days, total of $2100, would this be the total cost? Would there be any other fees such as taxes, resort fees, cleaning?

-Can a rental be obtained for fewer days than posted (say 4 instead of 7)?

-Mexico all-inclusive resorts: Does the 'all-inclusive' part come included? Is there an extra fee for this, and usually how much?

Pay Pal is usually a preferred option for both the owner and the renter.

There usually are no other costs or fees although places like Cayman Islands charge a daily electrical fee. Whatever other costs there are, the owner should clearly disclose to you.

If you want a rental for a period longer or shorter than seven days, you might be able to get that if you put in a want ad. Sometimes an owner with a points package (instead of weeks) can book by the night rather than by the week.

As for all-inclusive (AI) resorts, the AI fee is not included with the rental. That has to be paid at check-in and it's per person rather than per room or suite. The AI fees can range from $30-$100 per person per day. The owner should also clearly disclose this information to you.

Some AI's are in the $100-$200 per person per day. $100 pp/pd would probably be an average AI cost (in addition to the rental fee). You want to make sure you know what is included in the AI fee and what would cost extra. For example some include round trip transfers from the airport some do not. Some have surcharges for certain menu items or certain on property restaurants. Some only include buffets while others may have multiple a la carte restaurants on property or on a sister property with transport included. Some include water sports some do not.

You will also want to compare it to booking through the resort or through online sites like Expedia. TS stays in AI;s aren't always the best deal you can find. Sometimes they are.