It seems to me you're hung up on them not wanting equity, as in they don't want to participate in your ongoing concern on a lengthy basis. 

The Zoning Variation/Change is a lengthy and expensive process, it requires you to have fully prepared Architectural drawings, stamped and submitted to the City of Chicago by a Licensed Architect or Structural Engineer, then you have to wait for the Zoning department to Deny it (Which can take 8 weeks alone, or you can pay $1,500 to have an In-Person zoning review done in a shorter time period, but i'm not sure how COVID has effected this).

While it is a lengthy document, it is recommended to review it to understand what you're signing up for. 

After looking at the Maryland licensing requirement, it seems to be a lengthy and the costly process.

Your days will be filled with a lot of activity, and you will lose track of the weeks and months if you do not have a system in place to monitor your longer-term goals.Despite all the details, your business plan does not need to be an especially lengthy document.

If I ever create a ground breaking product I'd like Brandon or David to read my ad on BPFinally, the ads aren't badly placed or lengthy, and you can fast forward. ;)

LOL, my lord this could be a lengthy list. 

Heard it is a lengthy process.

Did you have to go through a lengthy eviction of your non-paying tenant?

Sorry for the lengthy post and I'd like to thank everyone in advance for their feedback.