They are going to look at how many debts you've had in the past, the nature of the debts, how long it took to pay them back, if you were ever late, chargeoffs, etc. 

I could see them wanting to insure you during a natural disaster.

https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/hurricane-harvey/first-they-fought-storm-now-they-fight-their-landlord-n799206If you live in an area prone to natural disaster's maybe the lease should spell out a course of action.

Service charge if property is located in building with multiple owners (150-350 € p.a.)Also, depending of the nature of your contract you eventually are liable for stamp duty (10 % of one month rent, upon signature of the contract).In overall very dry deal.

It's like a get rich quick scheme and I fear that it is predatory in nature.  

The house has natural gas lines running to the gas furnace, the kitchen and the laundry room. 

They still maybe never to heard from, and that could just be the nature like I explained above, or it could be him.

I know none of us want to deal with natural disasters, but I'm sure it's a topic that comes up as property owners.

This might be a long shot here given the competitive nature with the addition that NYC pushes for stabilized rental units on multi families, but I am wondering if there are any real estate agents that focus on tertiary markets in NYC on 6+ unit homes. 

Naturally, you think they are talking to you, and when you ask them “What?”