These companies also prey on people's fears.

My fear is that, as lenders, we could end up owning what would amount to condemned buildings on soon to be vacant lots when our borrowers either walked or went bankrupt after the “Big One” hit.While I also wonder about the solvency of the CEA, we’re in the process of re-evaluating our personal and business insurance and this thread motivates me to dig a bit deeper into it.

I actually just signed up for and participated in the Women’s WREIGN Wothout Fear of Her Future course for $47 which lasted 5 nights for 2 hours per night and while I already knew 95% of what was taught it gave me a couple of good tidbits that were worth the $47.

My biggest fear right now is buying TK deals that are too lean, locking up my 10 residential mortgage spots on small SFRs (yes, I know I can always pay these off later as I scale to re-open them back up), and burying myself with houses that are difficult to get out of later.  

Like Emily said, a number of shocking facts (or not so shocking to many landlords) have come out in the press recently on how few Americans can come up with a thousand or even four hundred dollar in an emergency....A FINRA study on The Financial Fragility of Renters was just one (with lots of stats).So no downpayment is a big one, as is credit score, and even with those who have resources, they  may want the flexibility to move or freedom from extra work or costs of maintaining and repairing the home.Even items like student loan debt or fear about the economy hold others back (still some out there who feel the sting of the housing bust).

Hotels are tougher for many to underwrite and while the returns far out rank most property types, many fear the risk associated with them.

We have been using traditional financing thus far but I fear that we are close to our limit on acquiring properties through traditional financing.

I've NEVER accepted such an offer - - I fear the prospect has no job and may not be able to find one. 

The fear of the cost and hassle is what drives the difference.  

I also own BetterResidence, SelectShelter and SunnyShelter (all .com) but when polling friends, many replied both had immediate negative connotation (they thought of homeless and animal shelters) and I fear I will forever be asked if it's betterresidence or betterresidents.