I know appreciation is important but I'm heavily weighted towards cash on cash returns and evidently it's just not that strong in Phoenix or in the surrounding area.

As simple as the metric is (or is not), it seems to hold weight. 

However, the posts that have been most encouraging in regards to conveying the weight and risk of REI have been the "here's all of my mistakes" posts.

A good contractor is worth their weight in gold, and they're very hard to find.

If you can snag a property with separate metering, then you're essentially buying a duplex with free standing units (with residential low down financing), and that's worth its weight in gold. 

It holds so much more weight than emailing, contacting through social media or getting on a website like this.

You're brand new (looks like this is your first post) so while I welcome you to BP, I heartilly recommend you familiarize yourself with the forum culture and rules.The truth is Michael Quarles has contributed his weights worth in solid gold to this community.

What's the saying, if you want to lose weight, hang out (or at least eat) with thin people

My decision holds a lot of weight in my family.

This in itself is worth it's weight in gold for me.I have met SO MANY people locally, nationally, and virtually that have given me advice, ideas, and friendships.