The only thing with renting from owners is a lot of them want payment up front when you haven't even seen the place. If you send a check and end up getting a dump when you get there, what do you do?? Just like that one person said on here......they got there and it was being renovated and not suitable to stay in. I think some people have different likings than others or are used to a certain way.
I almost rented from an owner but they didn't accept a major credit card. I prefer to use my credit card when paying for a rental.