They will sometimes have a few of the more common types of amenities, and may or may not be professionally managed.

Big Banks like Wells Fargo, BOA, Citi, US Bank, and Chase utilize lending programs aimed to service large swaths of depositors.

Insurance is expensive, there is a lot of extra maintenance like painting or electric in common areas that don't apply as much with smaller units. 

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

Would you be willing to describe a bit more about how you determined your utility caps? 

If the didn't do that then they have converted to LTR or MTR rentals at a steady monthly income and have the tenants take over the utilities which offsets the loss of more income.

Snow plowing was terrible, when spring arrived the common area grass mowing was terrible as well.

For example, most anywhere will get $700 room, $75 fixed rate utilities, $700 deposit, and then offer a 36 months, 12 month, or month to month lease ($350 fee if ending lease <90 days). 

If you’re looking at retrofitting to separate heating for each unit (like furnaces or mini-splits), you might be looking at a higher upfront cost, but it can shift utility expenses to tenants and improve your NOI.I’d factor in boiler age and efficiency when analyzing deals and if it’s near the end of its life, negotiate a price reduction or a credit.

When I said size doesn't matter as much I meant for STR you don't need massive rooms, larger common areas, etc.If you went MTR you might go further away from RTP and go for higher bedroom count, for less appreciation on average.NOTHING about this post is gospel.