I was happy he didn't let us in, thinking i will nail this guy. 

But other than that, @Cory Land hit the nail on the head. 

They want on the job learning/training so they can go do it themselves.Both @Andrew Steffens and @Sarah Kensinger hit the nail on the head.

@Zachary Giles Hi Zachary, I think Joe nailed it on the head.

Account Closed nailed it too -- you'll be refinishing floors when they move out if its hardwood.

Looks like @Samuel Pavlovcik nailed the situation spot on.Keep us updated on how it works when you send it back through the Chicago building department.

My question is what are the things I should pay attention to and really nail in order to have my listing stand out\ make my listing the first choice when people visit the area? 

I agree; Nailing down the best possible screening process as soon as possible is probably the top priority. 

That leaves me with option 4 which would be very cost effective and relatively simple to do...cut the planks to the correct size, find the joists with a stud finder, and nail them up after applying an adhesive to them as well. 

Sometimes when it looks like a deal, but can't make it stick, we can nail it.