I agree with you Steve,why even think of taking the risk.Just like stated above,health, accident, or all the other things mention is always possible.These are things out of your control !!!!!!!!
I too think that you could easly get a short term loan any where if you have the money to back it already.Plus been in business for 9 years,that is a history record there in it's own,unless there is downsides that would show different story?
Unless there is more to the story then your telling ,i can't see why you would even consider the house thing.Not worth it to me and there has been a time i was wonder how to make things work.
I once even considered the credit card route,but then common sense kicked in and i'm glad it did.Things worked out,but took a while.
Good luck what ever you decide.:usa