The consumer needs to take some responsibility (I'm not referring to the article - just generalizing.)My background is in mortgage lending where some of the biggest BAD GUYS have made their mark.

Louis is, if not the most liberal areas in Missouri it is one of most liberal, that means more consumer oriented courts, much more so than Springfield.There is nothing more dangerous than older real estate investors doing business as was done 20 or even 10 years ago, welcome to the 21st century, things have changed and many don't keep up.

Multifamily property values are deeply rooted in rent value, which makes sense considering the consumer is an investor buying an asset with an expectation of returns.

Geeez, no, I don't really want to comment......again.If performance of any kind is required of the optionee (buyer) then you do not have an option, you may have an installment contract, if you do and payments are being made that are ultimately credited to the sale price you have financing.If the optionee is living in the property, it's a consumer financing arrangement and Dodd Frank applies.Peter posted a more recent post that proposed credits to a buyer, that is financing and it's covered, there are still exceptions, but not so much for investors dealing in RE.

A consumer would basically visit both locations if they were in the same center, creating a direct competition situation, which would create a hostile relationship with the existing tenant. 

When consumers are confused about product selection due to too many choices, they turn to brand - one that they either know from the past or feel comfortable with because of the professional image, etc.Many will tell you this is a business of one-time purchases (not "relationships" with people) and that brand doesn't matter.  

Even with assets that could be sold or mortgaged, that's a time consuming process, too.Does he floor plan (finance) the cars he has on his lot?  

If the utility service is in your name, you are the consumer, if you pass that service on to tenants, you are then providing that service.

Here's a new tool from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.http://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/check-rates/You can check prevailing interest rates in your area.

Some good tips, but I believe that looking at a property must also be done through the eyes of the consumer, a buyer or tenant.