Water and time are a very powerful combination but sometimes can be simple to combat.

To combat the high pressure sales picture everyone thinks of, i intended to be upfront about the presentation.

Not trying to be combative I just take offense to your words, "People that try to sell you a CAP RATE are either fools or hoping that you are one." 

Perhaps, you can combat those fears or reassure that a low score may not necessarily disqualify them if they show good bill paying history (or whatever the appropriate criteria may be for you).

We've chosen to put spray foam insulation, also known as Icynene in both the roof deck and walls to help combat the high electric bills that our Central Texas summers in Austin like to cause!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please note, I hope none of my responses came off as combative.

To combat that risk its a good idea to make sure your homeowner's policy has a high amount of liability protection. 

I would apply to both for the very reason that you just never know when a bank is going to say no - especially given that you're both self-employed which usually means that your reportable income is not your actual income due to all the deductions most self employed people get to take.A portfolio loan is one way to combat the issue though.

I will tell you (a combat veteran) what has gotten me out of my ruts and difficult times. 

First off I call units where doors & walls destroyed mortal combat units.We purchased a property where the tenant in one of the units shot the whole place up with a bb gun.