We have way more vacancies than normal and it's become more difficult to fill units.

If this is not possible, try to see if tenants will allow showings prior to them vacating if they leave December 1, can you do showings starting November 10th to start working on filling the spot.

The demand is usually steady year-round in Chicago for that group.That said, here’s how I’d weigh it:If you go MTR:You’ll need to furnish it properly — not fancy, but turnkey: queen bed in each room, blackout curtains, comfy couch, smart TV, solid Wi-Fi, a stocked kitchen (pots/pans, utensils, coffee maker, toaster), and a simple desk setup.Expect about $4K–$6K upfront to get it guest-ready if you’re starting from scratch.Cleaning and turnover management can be automated (Turno app or a local cleaner), but there’s still some coordination involved.Since you’re near a hospital, list on both Furnished Finder and Airbnb (30+ night stays) — that combo usually keeps you booked.If you go LTR instead:You’ll save yourself the time and mental load of setting up a new system while adjusting to newborn life.Even if the rent’s lower, you’ll get steady income and less stress, which might be worth it right now.Winter leasing in Chicago:Yeah, it’s slower — especially December through February — but MTRs tied to hospitals stay active because medical contracts don’t follow the same seasonality.If this were me?

No, MTR guests don't need or expect Le Creuset or All-Clad luxury pots and pans ...... but that shouldn't give hosts license to raid thrift stores to stock their kitchens, either!

The activity and the buyers and builders talking will help stir the pot.  

My personal preference is old style coil tops, because the renters tend to ruin smooth tops with their cheap pots, but I'd do a cheap smooth top before gas. 

Rising rents is going to stir the pot.

Brand new toasters, blenders, pots and pans, silverware, etcLook for appliances at big name Appliance Stores that sell seconds or lightly damaged units (scrapes on the side or back)... 

Ward III: How Mezzanine Funding Helped a Sponsor Close a $25M Multifamily DevelopmentWhen a multifamily sponsor in Texas faced a funding shortfall on a $25M project, traditional lenders capped leverage at 65% LTC — leaving a $4M gap between senior debt and equity.Instead of pausing the deal or raising more equity (and giving up ownership), the sponsor used mezzanine financing to fill the gap.✅ Structure:Senior Loan: 65% LTCMezzanine: 15% LTCSponsor Equity: 20%Term: 3 years, interest-only✅ Result:The project closed on schedule, equity investors kept a larger ownership stake, and the sponsor retained control.Takeaway:In today’s market, mezzanine can be the difference between “almost funded” and “fully closed.”

You can post 'updates' and 'events' (i.e. open houses) with photos, videos, and call to action links of your choice.As far as getting people to submit applications, if they are motivated, they will fill it out.