I'm not an epidemiologist, so I'm going to pass on trying to answer #1 (though it seems a lot of people are suddenly experts in this field);-  In terms of the impact on the broader economy, both global and domestic, there are a number of things that could happen.  

Range by David Epstein - Explains why experts are usually not as good at solving problems, even within their own field, as a group of people with a broader field of knowledge.

This relief is broader as it is being universally applied, and the extension date of July 15, 2020 is the same for everyone.Taxpayers in a reverse exchange will also receive the extension to July 15, 2020 for their 45-day or 180-day deadlines that fall within the extension window, between April 1, 2020 and July 14, 2020.

As far as your broader points about how increased regulation could have the opposite of the intended effect and negatively impact neighborhoods: solid points all very well said and you're preaching to the choir. 

I keep trying to teach people how to wear shark-proof suits before diving in, but the message needs to get louder and to a broader audience.

Often if you move employers, you can setup a Self Directed IRA (transfer funds) and get control back over your assets including investing in a broader array of asset classes like real estate... just understand the rules. 

Take a look at how long this thread has become, and you can imagine the interest this topic will stir up among the broader vacation rental community.

Not saying you are doing that, but thats what the assignment-with-no-money wholesaler space encourages if not demands.What happens to the broader real estate market if ALL assignment of contracts vanished?

To address the broader crisis, a multifaceted approach is needed—building more units, subsidies, wage increases, and reducing living costs.

Your options become broader.