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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
We have issued our report dated February 12, 1998, accompanying the consolidated
financial statements of Renters Choice, Inc. and Subsidiaries contained in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the
aforementioned report in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 and Prospectus,
and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption "Experts".
 
GRANT THORNTON LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
October 15, 1998