While there is still plenty of room to improve, if all you can do is play the victim card during an era of unprecedented equality laws, then I suggest taking a long, objective look in the mirror.  

Without dragging on to far here, the main point I'll make is that your expectation when getting into 2-4 unit investing in SoCal, is expect it to take a few years to break even and/or cash flow and play the appreciation strategy. 

You could tell them they must pay a fee until it is certified but that is when they will play the emotional support card.

These are the only way to play the non-owner occupied investment game for STRs in Nashville sine the city stopped issuing permits for non-owner occupied residential zoned houses. 

Most tenants know how to play the game.  

I think every market is different of course and i wholeheartedly agree that for the borrower this is a great deal no argument there.You just have to play the cards that are dealt you.. 

They're mostly distressed properties, but that's how most of us play the game anyway.

I refuse to play the 6:5 games.

There's no reason what so ever to play the name calling game.

A realtor has the specialized knowledge on the appreciation and understanding of the whole gamut of inspections, disclosures, and other reports generated during the process and such cannot be said for those who do not play the same role.Without any intention of belittling a seller, buyer or investor who is inclined to do the transaction on his or her own, I believe that the sale or investing process is fraught with technical and legal difficulties that could be avoided by the engagement of a knowledgeable real estate agents who will be a shining light on the whole process.