But one of them pulled that "I'm trying to leave an abusive relationship" story, and I melted.  

To be honest due to long term tenants and c class type abuse.

It is something that is really abused and yes you have to deal with it but it does not make it right. 

However, we do require the tenant to pay for repairs or replacement of said appliances, which offsets the cost, a lot as tenants abuse the living life out of appliances.

Yes, it might seem high, but a "bad tenant" might put holes in the walls, abuse the carpet, etc. so you're talking about new flooring and a full repaint.  

Don't get me wrong, I like Dogs and Cats and think to many of them are abused and neglected.  

Lets say he gets hit by a bus or something or looses his mind and refuses to pay back the loan. 

I just wanted to add, although your attorney may have already told you, that most states, I believe MA is one of them, have laws against "elderly abuse" where someone has taken financial, emotional or physical advantage of an elderly person. 

Advertisers seem to abuse the platforms they can advise on if that wasn't the case email open rate would most defiantly be higher than what they are right now. 

I'm also concerned the closer to C the neighborhood is, the more this "utility abuse" will occur.I just discussed this with @Ryan Murdock.