You could design and build stations for an AI faction.
Bob the Space Hobo!
- That faction would have certain demands for what must be in the building plan.
The rest you are free to assign. - The AI would be the owner and responsible for maintenance, upkeep, and defense.
You don't have to deal with the "boring" part of buying/selling/shipping goods around if you build a factory. - What you are paid on completion might well depend on the kind of deal you made.
Some possibilities could be- Cheap / free repairs for life / a duration if such facilities are included.
- Research installations give you a % of their output.
- Slightly better prices on produced/consumed goods. (can't be ruinous)
- Ability to see the prices of goods on that station from a distance.
That way you could strengthen a particular faction. Increase it's research capabilities, economy, military power, local defense... you could be a Space Pimp! - Working that closely with a faction would no doubt increase your relations quite a bit.
You might see the pirate population growing stronger before the AI does so you might build them a trade station or three that just happen to be heavily armed and have yard and repair facilities for up to medium ships as well as an ammo fabber.
I'm a builder. I admit it.
Having to run the shop afterwards is kind of a letdown. Just a continuous chore that I try to automate to the max.