That's a great problem to have- it can help change your perception and increase the opportunities you come across in the long run.  

@Alexander TimberlakeFirst, let me correct your perception of the advantages you listed.  

Given its perception, I believe most wholesalers mistakenly think they can make a lot of money without doing the work necessary to EARN it.

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.

As our minds raced and hearts pounded for what seemed like a lifetime, we finally heard the sirens of the four Memphis Fire Department trucks that sped to the scene in less than five minutes.Our prayers were answered as they cleared the smoke from the house and removed the extremely charred dryer in less than 15 minutes! 

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.

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.