If their generalized impression of this community is formulated from watching the Wire or American Me, they will never be able to have an accurate perception of the asset the own.

Nah, the contractors aren't upset, when you see someone's home burn down it changes your perception.

I am fine with productive discourse but when it is arguments from theory, 2nd/3rd hand knowledge it's just.... well it's a waste of my time to be honest, I can not help someone with their perception of instruction on something they have never experienced, especially something as variable and "wild west" as terms deals, as I have said the whole segment of the terms.... dream it up and that could be it the only rules are both parties agree, can legally enter a contract and equitable exchange of goods, services or consideration (contract'ese for currency). 

Try to readjust your perception of how the real estate market works.

My suggesting is go wide, before you go deep.I was not a fan when I had to move to Milwaukee 15 years ago, but I am now: the city has been re-inventing itself over the last decade and is not anymore the slow rust belt city it has been in the 80s, however that is still the countries perception and will take a while - I talk about this on my YouTube channel a lot.

In addition, you have the tenant perception.

I would say though that in a civil court the perception is what matters.

So I think our perception upfront was more drastic than in the investors’ minds.

The thing to be careful of is the perception that you are "creating inventory" in that conversion process. 

However, your business must follow your own values and perceptions.