Sometimes they’ve got resources or connections that could help speed things up.What’s your biggest concern going into the hearing?

Sounds like you are on the right track in offering incentives. 

Finding the private money seemed to be the biggest challenge my friend has had while doing this. 

Professional staging, virtual tours, and high-quality photos can help them envision how the space fits their lifestyle, whether it’s for entertaining, work, or family.To overcome the “biggest house in the neighborhood” concern, shift the focus to its uniqueness and lifestyle potential.

Biggest caveat is you didn't mention the location.

I have always been interested in home construction techniques that are different or older.Container homes, these sorts of shot-crete homes, bale homes etc.The biggest issue is not that fact that they will rent, for if they are in the right location, of course they will rent just fine.

Biggest challenge was deal with my 1st eviction.

Parking will likely be your biggest hurdle.

They don't have a monetary incentive to sell you on anything.

Rooming houses dwindled in numbers, and zoning regulations took out the rest.Now apartments in popular suburbs are as expensive as in center cities, and for people of even moderate means their own apartment or house may not be realistic financially.