People invest in real estate corporations for a variety of reasons.   For some it's income, for some it's tax avoidance, for some it's a 'value' buy in hopes the stock prices raises in the future.    None of these investments are focused on the need for housing the poor.   It seems representation of low incomes in bargaining for housing has fallen to government.   Low income renters, with lower education, lesser skill sets, lack of financial power make any negotiation with major corporations a mismatch. 

Government representing the interest of the poor is not  universally accepted.   For some it is an unfair bias contrary to their personal interest.   In most cases those with great wealth are loathe to sacrifice their advantage/profit based on moral/ethical values.   

Who else would step into the gap of representing the poor when it comes to housing?   How's the value of caring for the poor,  nurtured in our society?  Mine came from Sunday school at a young age(parents).... others?