Need Help with second round of interview at CRE firm specializing in affordable housing.
So I just got the second round interview, it’s essentially answering one of two questions in one page or less. Would love if anyone could help out. 
The question is:

Please identify one catalyst for growth in the multifamily or senior living real estate market and discuss how that catalyst might affect lending in that sector.
[{"id": "iyarcvj", "text": "Brokerage or development/ownership?", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iyatzn2", "text": "Smells like a debt shop given the question. The question seems irrelevant to me. Asking about demand drivers and how those impact lending? It\u2019s rarely/never been about demand in the last decade (or more). Demand has, and will, outstrip supply for the foreseeable future. It\u2019s about the cost of capital and the service experience. You\u2019ll need to execute on both to be successful. \nAffordable debt is a highly competitive commodity, so differentiate somehow. It\u2019s a very efficient market- often I hear companies thinking of moving into the affordable space assuming there\u2019s inefficiencies that can be exposed with a new entrant. Not the case- unless you can price inside Fannie and Freddie. You\u2019ll need to stand out against the noise. \nAlso, get a new username.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iyaxv4f", "text": "For MF can just discuss new employment growth. For example, lets say Intel builds a chip factory in your hypothetical city - that will bring jobs. Can then talk about the Base multiplier effect (look up base multiplier effect urban economics if u don\u2019t know). Etc etc. can then say how debt markets would be more aggressive in that local market by providing friendly lending terms (Longer interest only period, lower rate, higher proceeds, etc.). Hope this at least gets you started thinking on it!", "replies": [{"id": "iybgc3m", "text": "Perhaps a valid approach in general, but OP mentioned affordable senior housing, so employment doesn't matter much in this case.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iybfxgo", "text": "Aging/retiring population Gen X population, a decent chunk of which wants to live in/near 'suburban downtowns' rather than retire to NC/FL. Great opportunity for mixed-income or 100% affordable suburban multifamily. Not sure how that really matters in terms of impact on lending for affordable developments. There will always be a lender for affordable age-restricted developments, banks get involved with affordable projects for CRA reasons. And housing demand will always outstrip supply. The really important thing is having a product that wins subsidies (the equity in an affordable deal), which are targeted to the types of developments that feature sustainability, accessibility, and integration of health initiatives/care into the development/management program. So I guess that's a 'trend' in the age-restricted MF sector. Getting those awards means you'll get a lender (who needs CRA). And whether market/luxury or affordable, new senior developments are being planned with a bunch of amenities that create a type of lux/resort-like experience.\n\nOne thing to think about is the 'healthy homes' trend where hospitals are getting involved in affordable multifamily development (age restricted or otherwise). Hospitals own a lot of real estate and larger institutions have the political pull to bring in state funding support. I think a lender would be particularly happy to get involved in deals that are 'too important to fail' and have an endless stream of tenants such that vacancy isn't an issue. But again, I don't see how that has an impact on the lending sector itself. A loan is a loan. This feels like a nonsense/trick question.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iydhol5", "text": "Senior housing is easy.\n\nBaby boomer generation is the largest and most wealthy generation. They are also becoming of age to require specialized senior housing and assisted living. The sector is exploding. \n\nSome risks in that segment would be government spending in that area which is subject to change at any time based on the political landscape.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "iydprcx", "text": "If it\u2019s relating to affordable housing, a catalyst for growth would be an abundance of opportunity zones and TIFF arrangements (OZ funding).\n\nFor straight multi or senior, catalyst would be population growth and job market expansion. This catalyst would increase the amount of debt options and overall loan sizes. Rates may decrease if the market is low risk due to obvious and strong growth.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]