But, ignoring your OWN fundamentals could be very risky!

Welcome to BP @Olivier Roux The fundamentals of investing should work in any area.

Part of the problem is people fundamentally do not understand percentages.

Hmm;  Just like a day trader on Wall Street, the REI REQUIRES that you understand:the market itselfrules of the engagementand fundamentally,  THE NUMBERS!

I learned that there is a fundamental disconnect between how the two groups viewed buildings. 

Reading is still fundamental.  

Although the specific interest(s) that underlie a criminal history policy or practice will no doubt vary from case to case, some landlords and property managers have asserted the protection of other residents and their property as the reason for such policies or practices. 23 Ensuringresident safety and protecting property are often considered to be among the fundamental responsibilities of a housing provider, and courts may consider such interests to be both substantial and legitimate, assuming they are the actual reasons for the policy or practice."

Am I wrong in assuming that this is fundamentally a better situation than borrowing and buying a house by yourself?

All we can do as investors is keep an eye on the underlying fundamentals of the particular city we are looking to invest in.

It shows people you are serious about the investing, that you have a basic understanding of RE and some fundamentals that go along with it, and that you are legally able to be paid for your services.