You want us rational and intelligent investors to stop discussing a certain method of investing because you don't like it?

I didn't get the impression that the OP was fear mongering.Just my opinion but I personally think a thread like this with rational, well reasoned discussion can help educate people (especially newbies) that the market doesn't go up forever and buying and selling cycles are natural. 

And the middle man well they usually have their dough and no personal liablity and could give two craps if it works or not.. thats reality on many of these and how its going to play out.This all works for the very well capitalized company that can handle these things.. and I am not sure in Texas if on the wrap you use an all inclusive Deed of Trust like I used in CA.. thats a great deed of trust it does give the wrap seller standing to start a foreclosure on their own while still making the payments.. it also precludes the slimy sub to buyer that may just take the wrap buyers payments and default to their seller I have seen this happen many many times and bailed out more than 10 of these.  

Love the rational to sticking with your gut.

So today I found out that due to my high debt-to-income ration (61-percent) that I cannot qualify for a loan bigger than $100,000. 

Making decisions based on bad interpretation or rationalization is how people end up in legal trouble.

Sounds like any opportunity to cut out the middle man and just self manage the STR. 

Deposits, leases, pro ration of rents.

I am in the Berkeley this weekend... what you need to realize is that NOTHING that you would think is standard in Livermore ( IE SF BAY AREA) will be standard out in the mid west.. at least as it relates to 90% of what these folks talk about in the way of cash flow rentals.. its apples and oranges.. your in a triple A market not even A.. and when you read on BP about no appliances etc. those are C D some think B  but its not a California B most of the homes and the RENTERS would  be a CA F plane and simple.. no way for you to rationalize what you would have in Livermore and what is standard in the mid west...

investors to get out there and overpay for properties, thereby denying opportunities to more rational investors?