A place in the market for architects

[Matt I.]

Hey all, first post here.

I recently acquired a degree in architecture from Philadelphia University. At 23, I am currently working towards my license to be an architect, and I am curious to see how my skills and education can apply to real estate investing. These skills include graphic visualization and rendering, energy modeling, sustainable site management and building design, to name a few.

(not to mention how a building comes together)

Ideally I have this vision that I feel is unique. I would love to be my own client, in the sense that I may purchase properties (or vacant land), design, build and then sell or rent out. I could also take crappy houses with good bones and just remodel the whole thing. Throughout school we learned passive solar design strategies that reduce operational costs such as heating, cooling, and lighting. (Perhaps if I own properties and cover utilities costs for the tenants, I can have a higher rent? Quick little concepts like this pop into my head from time to time.)

 I ultimately believe I have the technical design capabilities to create dwellings that are efficient, but I lack the knowledge of business concepts and strategies to execute my vision.

I wanted to know if there are any architects out there who have done this or something similar to this. I love my job where I work under the supervision of architects, but I feel that there is a certain creative freedom that this venture would grant me. How would I even start out? (I graduated a few weeks ago, so its safe to assume funds are low)

Thanks all!

Matt