Fannie Mae’s recent decision to provide a $1 billion financing commitment to single-family rental operator Invitation Homes has raised a few eyebrows, but for the most part it appears to be a fairly benign transaction that should benefit both parties. The arrangement was sanctioned by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which views the relationship as just another way for Fannie to finance rental housing. The rental units are 50,000 single-family residences scattered around the country – not apartment buildings. “Given the growth in the single-family rental market, FHFA considered...