Lol Have you done many lease options as a buyer over many year term? 

What other options would be good?  

Lenders usually determine whether properties are lendable based on the debt service coverage ratio. 

Maybe they've been burned by landlords in the past and are being very careful.You can legally reject them based on personality, facial tattoos, body odor, or other factors, but you better make sure you can prove that it wasn't based on any protected class like race, religion, familial status, etc.

I titled this post based on that.

The only question is how many will come back, when coming back is an option. 

I can run some numbers and share some options on the financing side if you like.

we ran into this in FLA  a few years back when I had 4 starts and I exited that market.. permits  sub base all pretty tough for someone who is not there and already knows the systems hands down and has a devoted loyal sub base.. thats the key in my mind.

To access your home equity without selling, you can explore options like a home equity loan, a line of credit (HELOC), or a cash-out refinance.

Quote from @Ryan Davies: We have heard of them but have chosen not to close deals through them since we have found better options.