Following a feature on the high returns available to effectively managed smaller property investment businesses ("Estates Gazette", 17 November 2001, p168), the "mainly for students" article illustrates a simple form of business consultancy role that surveyors may take. Presents two scenarios for a company operating within a mid-market area of a large UK city with a gross rental income of £1.5m: managing and maintaining the existing property portfolio or relatively rapid expansion, loss of majority shareholder/family control. Surveyors providing strategic advice for a small property concern should consider a number of key issues including the company's investment and growth strategy, economic and property market fortunes, the cash position of the company, working with lenders and investors, and the company's in-house personnel. Concludes that business skills can pave the way to wider fee-earning opportunities.