We found that even with having the renter complete a background check and paying a very nice rate for the room, there were some unanticipated strains from having a stranger living in our home.

Not wanting strangers who may or may not be infected  and wanting to protect your young child and yourself I would argue is very reasonable.

SF STR's are nothing like hotels; they have no parking lots, they don't have hundreds of strangers staying together in different rooms, they don't have onsite 24/7 staff performing housekeeping, front desk or maintenance, they don't have bars, restaurants, common areas, public restrooms or meeting spaces located on site, hotels are commercial structures designed to house hundreds or even thousands of people under one roof. 

Give me one piece of advice; a talking point; an argument; a line; a defense; a selling point; SOMETHING that I can use to convince a stranger that I have less than a few hours of relationship building with to let me take their house, no money down, and feel good about it?

Going into business with strangers is a hard thing to do so make sure to take your time and find the right partner and when you do, make sure to get EVERYTHING possible spelled out in the partners agreement. 

I'm not sure if someone homebound 24/7 as a roommate for many weeks unable to drive himself anywhere would be something I'm ready to deal with for a stranger during the holiday season since it's my busiest season. 

Plus learning how to talk to a stranger on the phone is a necessity in real estate.

Honestly, and it might be a tough thing to do since us men have lots of pride and ego....but it might be good to let your guard down and see if friends/family or even strangers will donate money via a gofundme page.

You are actually in a better position to be able to choose all your own tenants assuming your PM is proficient at what he does.I would recommend you not offer term leases to strangers.

He was facing foreclosure and had a rough property not in turn key condition, did not want or could not sell on MLS, and was willing to call up a stranger to try and dump the property, and we are in a good sized recession.