From there, they won't deal with you or if they do, they will be doing so with you under a microscope as they don't want to get mixed up in something where you might be crossing some line.This view point comes from experience, maturity, perhaps wisdom, it is reality and the reasons for getting black-balled are not written in statutes or regulation but in public opinion and perception.

We even let them know that we have a mortgage on the property, to somewhat dispel the "rich landlord" perception...we have bills to pay too.

There are a multitude of REO properties doing nothing but sitting on the books of those same banks as non-performing assets, because they are afraid of regulations and public perception. 

In the end I'm learning more and more as I do this that cashflow REI has much less in common with the general public's perception of stock investing....and has a lot more in common with farming.

As a societal shift, no.

At least such is my perception from talking to Serge.  

If you can manage to stay under the 4 financed units and take advantage of rising values, and low interest rates and purchase properties with a modest amount of needed repairs, you should are managing your growth appropriately. ( at least from my perception of what your real estate strategy is)Equity is a perception unless you use it.

Now, you're dealing with public perception as much as you are the applicable laws.Charlie's attorney pounds away at his client's commercial nature and the limited obligation of the lender.

I also came away with a perception of high integrity from AHP.

If housing is a 'right' as you are implying then its a societal responsibility to pay for it - not just one subset of people's responsibility.Farmers and grocers aren't required to take installment payments if someone is having trouble paying,  Neither are doctors and nurses required to provide their services under such terms.