They tend to be less bureaucratic and more creative than big banks.

They offer better economies of scale and tend to be more manageable as you grow your portfolio.

I do have a third goal, but too much will happen by the time my second goal materializes that my third goal will likely change drastically.Also, I tend to find myself wanting to ask market-specific questions to agents/lenders/investors/contractors/etc. a lot.

The numbers tend to work better, and you’re still close enough to keep an eye on things.As for NYC itself, deals are definitely out there, but it’s tougher.

In my experience tenants on the lower end of rent tend to cause more damage than higher price tenants.

Some areas on Long Island tend to appreciate even more. 

Quote from @Paul Lucenti: Creative methods tend to increase risk.

They tend to go after rookie investors and have seen to many in my network that have purchased "bad deals" and are in a bind with NW deals.

They don't rely on ONE supplier, ONE broker, ONE anything.  

I enjoy tenants turnover ever few years for the reason fair market rents tend to increase significantly year over year.