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> So a major problem for Airbnb is that they don't really own the relationship between hosts and guests.

I don't see how this is a "major" problem.

Well, Airbnb's business model is to make a market and take a cut of each transaction.

If hosts and guests discover one another on the platform but cut Airbnb out of the transaction then Airbnb is losing money.

Losing money is a major problem for a business that seeks to make money.