There is nothing rational to it, by any measure of traditional thinking.  

When you start rationalizing a bad deal into a good one, because the number that drives you is "how many properties" instead of "how many dollars".

The debt to income ration stipulations of mortgages these days is putting a damper in progress.  

"How in the world I was going to convince a partner, a banker or an investor to look at any of my deals if I (myself) was incapable of convincing my own wife of my abilities to understand rationally what I was doing?"...

It's just humorous how some try to RATION to you, the money you're bringing to the table!  

You have a very rational reason for your thinking.

You must have Cash Buyers at your disposal so you can send off the deal to your potential clients...at least 20 will be very good to start.....remember this ration 20-1 for every 1 deal you have your going to need twenty buyers so you have control of the deal...plus don't forget to have your exit strategies ready at all times.

The investment portion would be subject to capital gains and depreciation recapture rules.I'm hoping that property taxes, property insurance, mortgage interest and any other expenses that might apply to the entire parcel have been allocated based on some reasonable rational in the past.

While an initial debt coverage ration is a quick test, it's a judgment call as to meeting the obligation in the event something happens.Commercial loans can also make other requirements such as additional collateral, assignment of rents and life insurance on the borrower!

I try to be very rational and step back and analyze it, allowing the numbers to prove that I'm not just being emotional about it.