So might be good for some in a pinch if lenders are not offering right now.  

Renters feeling the pinch may not necessarily share similar investor enthusiasm it seems or do they?

Here is what a friend of mine thought about my duplex wealth and how that came about.The Four Highly Conditional and Nearly Irreproducible Steps to Duplex Wealth: Come of age in a buyer's market (which you did)-Live in an area where there are lots of duplexes to go around (which you did)-Live in an area where the real estate market is not too aggressive (which you did)-Have enough personal resources that you are considered low risk (which you do)*Subject to additionIf you meet these descriptions, and eat about ten million chocolate bars - you too can win your Wealth golden ticket.Wealth happens when knowledge and action meet opportunity. 

I don't know that much about your specific situation, but when you aren't hyperleveraged you usually have some options available in a pinch.

It is the classic Vanilla vs Chocolate.  

The refrigerator in one of my rentals is 30 years old, and I know that because I bought it new when I bought my house that I live in now, and it went to the garage when we remodeled the kitchen 15 years ago and then to a rental when I needed a fridge in a pinch 10 years ago.

Some days it can be very, very tough, and other days you just want to "Pinch" yourself because your having so much fun; but it isn't a Passive Investment like you might get with some of the other options you mentioned... but in my biased opinion it's a whole lot better.I hope that helps a little.All the Best!

I also don't speak Spanish fluently, although I can get by in a pinch. 

It’s in my blood to be an entrepreneur, ever since 4th grade I started selling chocolates in school, and escalated to selling junk food, like chips and soda, all throughout middle school and high school, while also working part time.

We give them tins full of Moose Munch (which is basically popcorn, caramel, and chocolate) and a hand written card wishing them a happy holiday.