If I remember correctly, Bartlett was initially not on his own. There were 3 of them (Bartlett, Duffen and ano whose name I can't recall). Their money / wealth came primarily from property investment. Wasn't it also the case that months after Bartlett and gang bought City, along came the financial crash (2008). As a result, not long after taking over the club, the other investor dropped out (as a result of the crash) and Bartlett's wealth & outlook was heavily affected .
It's (maybe?) a pity that we didn't have billionaires knocking on the door (a la say Leicester) but to suggest Pearson deliberately sold to some 'dodgy ****ers' and dropped the club in it, the club that he dragged up from off the floor to where he left it, is just plain ridiculous and overtly vindictive. Pearson was good, but didn't have a crystal ball.