Doesn't hurt that most our buyers have a decent rate.If your friends are struggling, it might have more to do with internal factors: high rate, low down, inefficient pricing strategy, lack of design, or not keeping up with trends like saunas or outdoor setups.

Solid wood is a plus, it depends what period of design you're looking for though?

We have both natural geographic and policy restrictions to growth (pressed up against the mountains with thousands of acres of designated open space that can’t be developed, height restrictions, permitting red tape, etc.).

I'm hoping to ease the pain point of design and repair on the island while providing a level of care that I give to my own properties there.

I've done some research and have connected with a handful of designers and contractors.

A great cleaner, handy person, and property manager (or a really dialed-in tech stack) can make all the difference.Don’t underestimate the power of design.

@Eric Teran may be along shortly to discuss the benefits/value of design and you really couldn't go wrong picking up a book called "The Modular Home"  by Andrew Gianino.

Even if you personally have just a modicum of design aesthetic sensibility, after reviewing 20 or 30 properties, you will quickly be able to get a sense of the winners.My 2 cents,Mike

In Architecture you would take Structures, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, a variety of Design classes, Art History, etc...Saying someone should not do a Mentorship program because the program and strategies taught might not work for them is true, only if they take one program. 

Pricing models vary, but I use a flat-fee approach based on the intensity of design strategy and level of investor involvement.