do you think there might be a class of property owners who aren't that interested in renting (a room, cottage, etc) to a random person, but might be interested in helping a start-up?
Def like the idea of micro-equity crowdfunding. Surely with the jobs act people will be setting up these sorts of outfits (I think some already exist).
For example a spare room to a friend for a beer, or indeed, a basement to a startup they thought was cool. Because in these situations it isn't about the money.
The size of this market is probably fairly small and not very profitable - it isn't about the money.
Also I wonder how long people would be happy with this arrangement. After a few months they might start to think it would be nice to have the basement back or that someone who pays the rent would be nice.
Do you think more people want to own startup equity? You should find a way for them to do this, perhaps make it easy to invest like a VC - kickstarter with equity.