Wow very charming in a Victorian way.

You are not going to magically charm them into renting the place if it doesn't meet their needs.As far as your comments to @Wayne Brooks about living with strangers, that can create major problems.

Sometimes rentals with older charm sell themselves because of their character..

Location, charm, convenience, pet policies and other soft factors frequently are the drivers for rental rates.    

There are plenty of people who love the charm of an older building.

They've always had an idea of a "dream" house is all and I wanted to give that to them, if I can, while they're still physically able-bodied and can enjoy the charms of a spacious, modernized home.

Anyone in your life, circle, company that is doing well you should want to support them and help them grow not suppress and try to gain ownership, that's bad business and i've never seen it work out for anyone.

They are on Facebook if you search for Charm City Construction & Repair.

Low Inventory With inventory less than 1 month could be temporarily suppressed as people are not wanting to move unless absolutely needed to during this time,  but less than 2 months inventory indicates demand is higher than supply which won't induce price reductions. 

If you are honest upfront with the tenants you might suppress some of that noise since they've been fairly warned.