I agree that creating another unit and risking non commerical financing will devalue the property. 

I am wondering if its neceassy to have a commerical grade washing and dyer machine in a four plex unit?

I am trying to understand some things you said here as I am totally new to the commerical grade policy.

The question: A commerical property in a highly desireable location which could fetch $6+ million and generates about $400k after expenses became available and I'd like to add to our portfolio instead of doing a 1031.

I don't think Im paying my bookeepeer an outrageous amount, although with economies of scale (I have one commercial insurance plan, commerical portfolio loan from a single bank, one bank account, etc) it probably doesn't take the Bookeeper 3x to do my books compared to yours. 

thats far more than you will make starting out as an agent.. but once you get stateside and if you are successful at Commerical RE  takes 5 to 10 years to build your book.. then big income is a reality..  

Sometimes a good commerical Broker could come in and deal with the bank and or their captial markets.. 

Since you're familar with commerical development, most enginering firms, and attorneys work on both residential and commerical. 

That level of diligence isn't possible with human effort or even traditional data processing techniques.I would like to expand to investors in the future but this technology is very new. got it also commerical Brokers I suspect would be a target for you.. 

Work with your attorney for what is needed to insure all subcontractors get paid by the General Contractor.Make sure the insurance covers Construction period and also materials.Talk with your Commerical insurance agent and they should address the above questions with you.If this is an older facility make sure your engineering firm has covered Fire Suppression systems and any Storm pond or drainage systems.