“You don’t have a right to own a home if somebody else wants to own it more.”Rand says that while it is ultimately a free-market situation, many in the market benefit from the presence of investors.

Fits their territory, business model and financial metrics.D. 

Duhh.. they are real credible established, successful, have a brand presence they are awesome.Well there you go!

Appraisers have to pay office staff, referral fees, discounted fees for volume, auto expense, office supplies, web  presence, etc.  

And/Or as an experienced MF investor, what do you recommend when estimating a value add deal without the presence of a GC?

GC should have known what was onsite and should have given you the professional courtesy of setting the item aside or notifying you about its presence. 

I've completed the required 75 hours (online) and will be taking my course's final exam in about a month (my full-time job is about to enter very hectic territory).

There are still "exchangor groups" around and a national group that keeps a presence and serves as a watering hole/resource group for those wishing to attempt this kind of exchange.Just the thought of another multi-party exchange makes root canal feel like a day at the beach!  

Although White Plains has a growing younger population and commercial presence AKA more jobs, the idea that I have the option to purchase a similar property at a similar cost in a neighboring city seems to be more appealing, despite the fact that although the neighboring city isn't as safe or as recognized as White Plains itself, taxes are so much cheaper. 

People will shop with the mouse or on their mobile device so you MUST have an online presence in the major rental advertisers.