Open to suggestion, obviously. 

If you're targeting Section 8 tenants in Chicago, I'd suggest listing at the fair market rent of $2000.

But if your budget is tight or your home only needs minor updates, your real estate agent can help you think outside of the box by suggesting simple DIY staging tips to help your home look its best.Bottom LineStaging your house properly can make it much more attractive to buyers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and every home shines differently.

Other Suggestions: Are there alternative strategies I haven’t thought of that would allow us to move legally and responsibly under the current circumstances?

You should learn how to analyze property to ensure it's going to pay for itself.A couple suggestions:1.

Exactly what Chris suggests - buy the house from them and rent it back to them.

Any realtors out there can suggest any and explain your experience with them?

Your Lender My suggestion to find #2 & #4 would be to go to the top of this page and click on AGENTS  & LENDERS.

We are interested in using the equity for a real estate investment, and are looking for ideas, suggestions, or investors in similar situations.

If you plan to have it for more than 4 years I would suggest to do a cash out refinance because you will save in interest rate.