Even better advice:  Do a good deal in a different state where the distance compels you to be more resourceful with your time and communication skills, and you make more friends and connections on the way. 

I just joined BP last night and am crazy impressed with the quality of people on this board...thank you.Seeing your replies, I should've thought through my question further...at the CORE of my question, I was trying to understand this...with ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, does it make to buy a big house or a little house?

Eh...not to say this is a bad idea, but in my opinion, I think its more effective to just focus on the core concept of the business, the actual lease of the property to generate good profits rather than trying to nickel and dime tenants into more profits.Obviously, items like laundry services and perhaps vending machines might work well and make since in a multifamily setting, but I think offering to wide of a selection of add-ons cause an over complexity to a business that often runs smoothest when kept simple.In a large, class A facility, there are probably lots of avenues for setting up additional revenue streams and services, much of what can be outsourced, but for attempting to confuse a lease with different services and add on costs can often become a headache to manage on top of the tenants.At the very least, instead of offering additional services, I would simply partner with local businesses who might allow you to profit from discount, bulk pricing which you can then up charge to tenants.

Because I have a good cash base to start with I am building up a core set of 5 properties with no financing.

The property is located in a high-end part of town, in a heritage residential area about 3 blocks from the edge of the downtown core.

Since most of our sparring partners here are NY- and SF-based, it seems that the core of the debate is positive cashflow vs. appreciation, which are not always mutually exclusive.

Total thickness can vary depending on core, etc.

If you have access to MLS, why not build a compelling case?

If those haven't included COREE, I would highly recommend you check it out.

I have a lot of experience in this and a lot of success.If you give someone (potential seller) a compelling reason to sell to you they will.