Publicly-traded REITs get you into real estate and are passive.

Complicates the trade to the nth degree.It is possible to pledge a loan as collateral.  

Home Depot would never do that.So I'm sure that's the case with other trades.

But now I have a list of a few plumbers in case of an emergency and we walk through the properties with each of our tenants and show them how to turn off the water in case of an emergency. 

We have a local case where a "buyer" is being sued not only for fraud, but also for deceptive trade practices.

Thanks Eric,My situation is a bit different, the parches are not used as an emergency exit.

Given the shortage of qualified contractors and trades it might take a while for the gap to close.

My advice is to not try to get somebody who is Jack of all trades.

This strategy involves a series of trade-offs and should be discussed relative to your specific personal financial situation with your licensed tax or financial advisor.

If you want zero crime, you have to go out to very rural areas, where rental demand is low, so it's a trade off - don't let crime stats be your deciding factor.USE GOOGLE EARTH - Especially when you start talking turkey with a provider and they start giving you prop addresses, plug those bad boys into google earth and take a virtual walk around the area!