I think I found my current basement apartment on Craigslist or Facebook. I forget which. But it wasn’t through a traditional realtor site like realtor or Zillow. It might’ve been through. Hot pads. They’re starting to post rooms for rent. The OP needs a basement apartment and those are often listed alongside rooms for rent. I’ve also rented rooms in basements that were apartment like and I shared the kitchen with the family upstairs or I shared the entrance. I think alternatives to rooms are best. I’ve doing it off and on for a decade. I have my own living space with separate entrance. All utilities included. I haven’t paid a utility bill in 14 years.

I don’t pay market rate for an apartment which can be $1800 to $2100 in this neighborhood. But it’s not as nice as a hookup’s new $1950 hi rise apartment nearby. Another apartment charging the same rent doesn’t have an in unit washer dryer. Laundromats and utility bills are for the birds.