a) that's not always true -- I know plenty of six-figure salary types living in apartments. (and I'm not talking NYC loft's here.) I was one of them for a long time
b) just because people have "disposable" income, doesn't mean they dispose of it -- esp. on high speed internet they know they won't use.
c) the simple fact is no one thinks in terms of the "long run". Investors want to see something of their investment(s) on a scale of months, not years. Something that *might* be profitable (or even break-even) in 5 years, isn't going to attract much funding.
Wiring up
a building vs.
100... dude, if you cannot see which is going to be more profitable (and quicker to profit), then you clearly don't have any money.