However, I recognize that there is definitely a high degree of emotion behind that and it may not be totally financially sound.I am primarily thinking about that one house that survived in Mexico Beach and applying some of their principles to construction and upgrades in order to mitigate potential damage and give my tenants as much peace of mind as I can. 

No emotion. 

The day I put my first multi-unit property in escrow I make a promise to myself that I would never let a tenant get me emotionally upset.

Their business decisions are governed not by common scense but rather by emotions.

Where do we sign up to give the Landlord Emotional Support?

My experience is that deciding to sign a deed is often an emotional choice, which can change at the slightest of difficulties. 

My friends who have chosen the other route have either lost money or made returns so small that it would be completely unacceptable anywhere, save for the emotional and cultural attachment they have to New York City.

Don't get emotionally tied to this deal.  

I've read that in Utah that a landlord cannot deny someone that has a "emotional support animal", but if they are a small landlord, it doesn't apply.

Hopefully good news - looks like HUD will soon be issuing more restrictive guidelines for what actually qualifies as an emotional support animal (the article references “service animals”, but it’s obvious from the language following that they are also referring to ESA’s).