Agree with you on most points, the companies do advertise all the services as convenient etc. but they don't really tell you about the downsides like if they go out of business.

10k for a house though... would really be great if I had access to anywhere near that, although it does seem like you'll have to put in lots of effort on your own side. Over here, it's literally impossible to get any sort of housing for <200k, and that's limited to a select group of people. Sadly, things aren't looking too bright in some areas.