What are some techniques people have used to help non investors or family understand the different strategies and their returns? 

In my contracts I so spell out pest management techniques that must be adhered to regarding sanitation and etc. and if they do not I can actually charge them if there is say a rodent problem and it is because they leave garbage outside a garbage can blah blah blah. 

@Shawn Westbrook my personal must-haves: skirt board ladder, left-handed hammer, glass hammer, lightning hammer (never strikes the same place twice), wood enlarger, nailing lubricant, and a rip saw with a pull chord.

I have heard from experienced landlords that it is often better to NOT let the tenant know that we are "owner/landlord", but rather that we are "just the PM" or even that we "just work for the PM".That way, it is easier to manage the tenants when they make unreasonable requests, we can just say "Sorry I can't authorize that, I just work for the PM" and we are not seen as the "bad guy" in the scenario, the unseen owner takes the blame.I wonder if this technique makes sense in a house hacking situation?

My technique was to look understanding, but use the broken record technique for whatever response was appropriate, like:"I know you'd like that to happen, but it's not in the budget this year.""

So, I don't really think the same technique regarding closing a deal quickly applies in the same way to tenants.

So, as suggested, I'd just tell your friend that you're sorry, but you have a policy of never renting to friends or family, because it inevitably hurts the relationship and your friendship means too much to you.They'll try to make you change your mind, probably, but just do the broken record technique - keep repeating yourself.  

Many of these techniques listed have a fair amount of industry specific knowledge that you would want to familiarize yourself with prior to jumping in. 

A couple of other screening techniques I learned while lurking around here on BP.If he arrives in his vehicle is it a mess or well maintained?

I workout 5-6 days a week and I also shake my head when there are gurus or programs out there promising ridiculous things when I know the only true way to get results is putting in the work and having the correct info to work efficiently (technique/form,etc) to get the body you want.