Next step in leverage is to approach ideal building partners in the area to lobby for limited partnership into the venture, offering minority stake for capital investment into the project via liquid capital placement OR equitable contributions.

Hence, they have a very influential lobbying presence with the local government there.  

The hotel lobby was very pleased by the passage of this bill and it appears that one legislator, the bill sponsor, has an interest in some hotels. http://alextimes.com/2017/02/general-assembly-progresses-on-area-airbnb-regulations/Opinion article on page 18 of pdf.http://alextimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/02_23_2017-Alex_Times_Final-Web.pdf

The areas we focus on have good housing stock for ~$50k, solid schools (5 and above for elementary, middle, and high school), and the areas are safe with plenty to do: malls, airport, movie theaters, and restaurants within 5-10 mins.

Went to school at Andrews University for a little bit in Berrien Springs, MI, but would always come down to South Bend for food, and I miss the hot dogs at the dollar niles theater.  

(It so sad to see the Houston homes that are half or totally covered with flood waters).Basements in those that have the money to build it out seem to be a "play ground" for most people (think movie theaters, pool tables, Bar's, Football watching room, work out rooms, guest rooms, Kids play areas).

You might guess that the hotel lobby is making this difficult.

The local merchant would still need some place that accepts deposits at night for safekeeping.Once my direct competition has disappeared, I would work on the indirect competition by lobbying for the licensing and regulation of private money lenders and hard money lenders.Who loses in that scenario?

It was pushed hard by the Realtor lobby.

I had little success calling myself a 'dwelling concierge', an 'accommodation enabler', or even a 'Casa Capo'.In all seriousness we need a strong housing provider lobby.