The further you go from Boston the inverse happens- stronger cap rates with better cash flow.

I think the unsuccessful and struggling units who have not jumped ship yet will continue to do so, leading to less supply, increasing demand, and a better year for the successful units. 

I was thinking he supplies the down payment and acts as a silent partner.

Just get it under contract as quickly as possible... an multi- page realtor supplied purchase contract often does not afford you the luxury of time.  

Appreciation is driven by demand outstripping supply, and cost of new supply. 

I realize now that I should have supplied numbers initially- for numbers I am looking for $650k and under.

The country simply does not have enough affordable housing units, and the new supply of affordable housing units is not keeping up with new demand.

All important factors to consider- population growth or decline, job growth or decline, inventory rate and movement- is is a seller's market getting stronger or softer or a buyer's market getting stronger or softer?

Actually buying these apartments and not the current supply is a good opportunity.

This synergy makes our team stronger and keeps us all moving toward the same goals.6.