I'm just throwing out things that could become big ticket items.  

I'll throw one more possibility onto the list:Some come from a societal background where renting is the norm.The cultural push toward home ownership we experience in North America is not universal.  

For topics, instead of thinking about your business, focus on what your audience wants to know.

I realize that some stocks offer dividends but unless you have a large chunk of money to throw down and time to wait for the dividends to come in then it is much harder to do as real estate loans are easy to get.Also real estate is a very easily scalable business where you can choose how much you would like to be involved or not depending on your life style.

Under the scenario described in your initial post, it is evident that the message of what you have to offer is not reaching your intended audience and/or is not presented in such a way as to attract your ideal client.  

I would not rent a place remotely either, as a tenant or landlord as I throw out of state applications away (time wasters).  

My advice, find out about previous repairs, if house sits on expansive soil or what type of land it sits on and if on expansive soil, pass on it because you will constantly be throwing thousands of dollars towards beam placement or adjustments.

I feel that I am throwing my money away.  

@Jon Moser I would throw in a tip that pops into mind when negotiation.

I am excited for an upcoming meetup to get more involved, but wanted to throw a line out on bp too.