Fionn, I'm assuming two of the properties were businesses, and like a lot of small businessmen he is struggling to keep his head above water (no pun intended). Not all property owners are capitalist bully boys.

The wind is now getting up as well, the sky solid slate grey and the rain drumming audibly against my window.

I have no doubt about your last comment, "where are the keepers, who bled the whole thing dry".