Is it possible to seek out lenders known to be "generous", or would a broker be better? 

The indicators given were a historically high amount of equity in primary residences, employers using bonuses to reward employees vs. salary increases, and college students choosing STEM degrees vs. liberal arts degrees. 

3- does it make sense to set up the contract as 12 months to repay where the lender will just get the cash flow from the property up to the 12th month, then get some sort of bonus interest if it takes longer?

My realtor just told me of a 4 bdrm townhome that is worth ~375K and renting for $1900 with three applicants on day one, and one of them offered a $3000 signing bonus.

@Rich Rodman Allowing her to sublet is generous enough.

Is this too generous, or is this a reasonable offer since I will not have to come up with anything up front? 

The systems also qualified for very generous rebates from the electric company.

The best option for me, in terms of getting generous private college financial aid, not to have any home equity at all.

Great lookig project, and a bonus they came right to you! 

I would like to do that on the mostly completed side and rent it as a three bed instead of a 2 bed with bonus room.