I understand what you are saying in terms of having to pay the extra 650 $ a month.

They are paying you an extra 5% per month.

When your self employed like we are I dont think a lot of folks realize how vulnerable our lives can be in a financial melt down like the GFC.

I like that "what is easier to put a value on" I didn't think about it that way and given the amount of properties these folks probably do they'd probably take the most convenient route.

I had an empty LTR that was unfurnished and they paid an extra 650/month and also paid to furnish it for a 6 month rental. 

I recently watched a BiggerPockets podcast on YouTube where both folks made flood insurance mistakes from not noticing something in the disclosure.

Lots of Portland and OR folk here as well. 

If we need customized items, like a Leasehold DOT on an airplane hangar portfolio, then we (borrower) pay extra. 

But remember that what is favorable now could come unfavorable in the future as they readjust over time.Reasons many landlords avoid vouchers include the hassle of the extra inspections, the perception of a worse tenant, and maybe the inconvenience of getting rent from two different parties. 

You don't need to add the extra step of doing a cashout refi as you aren't keeping it and it costs a lot of money to cashout refinance.