is not new. This article is just a re-tread of BlackRock's and other PE firms' strategy over the last 20 years. FYI, BlackRock purchased more homes under the prior two administrations, so I don't put much stock in the "tied to this administration" conspiracy. PE funds buy stuff as an investment, there are very few industries that are immune from that. Tech, medical, farming, biotech, construction, apartment buildings, mobile home parks, retail, etc. I don't hear people complaining too much when they're able to cash out when PE comes in and buys their company for an excessive amount.
Why shouldn't it be legal? If someone wants to buy my house, why do I want the government telling me who I can sell to? If PE didn't think it was a good investment, they wouldn't buy in. It's not like it's some grand conspiracy to buy up all the houses so that you and I won't be able to.