Not sure how to ask this but what I want is that when VM-01 is started either automatically or manually that VM-02 starts as well. I'm guessing there may not be anything built into ESXi but maybe in vCenter Server? If not, given there is a linux (basically) OS on the ESXi, couldn't there be a way to script this?
This would be the function of a vApp that's available with vCenter Server.
Check VM Startup/Shutdown under Configuration --> Software on ESXi host for individual VM'S or use vAPP for multiple VM's.
There is nothing there - that I found - that would allow me to "link" two VMs together. I can automatically start individual VMs but that's it. Thanks though!
You'll need to use a vApp for this if you want what you ask.