@Zachary BellinghausenThe illusion of choice.

Fewer seams can also provide the illusion of open space.

Putting more money down to get higher CF is an illusion.Example:  $100k Property; Loan terms 4.75% for 30 years; CF wo/loan = $750/monthA - 20% down - $20k DP; $80k loan; DS = $417/Mo; CF = $333/mo($4k/yr); payback DP = 5 yrsB - 25% down - $25k DP; $75k loan; DS = $390/Mo; CF = $360/mo($4,320k/yr); payback DP = 5.78 yrsC - 30% down - $30k DP; $70k loan; DS = $365/Mo; CF = $358/mo($4,296k/yr); payback DP = 7 yrsEvery year you hold a property means a greater chance of a CAPEX, vacancy, repair, etc...which comes out of pocket, and must be added to the $$$ cash needed to recover before you start making a profit.The biggest illusion, and the worst rationalization you can do, is to think that by increasing your DP you can turn a negative CF property into a positive one. 

They are living in an illusion of material success fueled by a mountain of debt.

The first property I bough was at 1.8% (so close to that illusive 2%) and that was off the MLS.  

If you need more headroom or the illusion of it and are good with a little more work, I would tear out the fails ceiling and use a paint sprayer to paint the floor trusses, ducts, plumbing, and wiring dark gray or white which is what I did in my personal home which only has 7’ ceilings in the basement.

I teach API prep classes out of my classroom located in downtown Corpus, if it comes to it, ill use it to host an REI. 

Some individuals will fill the unit with a tenant to make it look like it’s occupied with out any screening to give the illusion of a cash flowing property.  

That and moving the lights up create the illusion of more space.

I tried to get her to come on BP with me to help the public not get taken by pump and dump advanced scheme artists posing as private lenders..Private lenders are Hard money lenders.. some use the private lender moniker to give the illusion of cheaper rates or easier qualifying.. if your in the business of making more than 2 or 3 loans a year your a Hard money lender plain and simple. don't get confused on the vernacular.