Resist the urge to oversell yourself and your experience.

Compliance items such as adding smoke detectors, hand rails, fire resistant garage entry-door and new stairs outside.

In a pinch you can check drafts with a lighter and see if the flame flickers. 

If not, then the path of least resistance is to simply adjust your vision so it fits better into the lot, as-is. :) A zoning change can take up to 6 months, approval isn't guaranteed (despite Aldermanic support), and potentially cost a lot of money (architectural site / floor plans & dimensioned elevations, zoning attorney, holding costs, etc.) 

That means clearly calling out 4+ awesome amenities they can’t resist—like “Lakefront Retreat | GameRoom | HotTub | EV Charger” instead of “Charming Cottage with a Beautiful View.”Why It WorksGrabs attention with specifics (people love hot tubs).Tells guests exactly what they can expect, so they’ll click over your competitors.Makes your property unique—no more “cozy” or “adorable” listings lost in the crowd.Try ThisBrainstorm your top must-see amenities.Keep the wording short, clear, and hype-worthy.Swap out any fluff words like “cute,” “lovely,” or “charming.”

Many lenders allow for low-down-payment options if the rental income covers the loan.You’re approaching this deal thoughtfully, but be sure to communicate the benefits of your offers clearly to overcome resistance from the seller's representative.

I was working on getting the seller down from $135k to $105k, she resisted, so I'm moving on to my next deal.

This is the same type of personality to gaslight you when you don't agree with their view on a deal or something goes awry, gatekeep you from information and deals, and become a resistance force in actually becoming a REI. 

Agreeable grey with apartment tan carpet (or pet resistant tan carpet).

That's' the resistance point. in markets I work for new builds inventory is still historic lows so many are just sitting on their low rate and just staying put although they would like a nicer home.