Hey Isaac,
I don't think what you're after is a bad idea. My brother-in-law is an architect and we're actually looking to do something similar. It is helpful to have an architect and an engineer on hand. Even if you just hire them to look over your idea. Architects are typically really good at understanding design, functionality, maximizing spaces (design), building codes, etc. The engineer comes into to play to ensure your design can be structurally built, make sure it falls within code, etc. You're probably better versed with the engineer side. I think the hardest/biggest hurdle to overcome when doing something like this is the permitting with the city/county youre dealing with. A lot of times you have to submit plans for the project, the permitting office reviews your proposals and then either gives you the green light, not necessarily to start building, but going ahead to submit your design/renderings of the actual property. Once both of those get the green light, you can then start with your contractors. I'm making this seem like a step-by-step process, but in reality a lot of these pieces are being put together at the same time in order to minimize delays in the building process. Of course with the permitting process come the fees to get the permits, so keep that in mind as well.
I think the business plan would work, as long as you know the whole process. I think a better approach would be to either partner with someone who has experience doing this or start off by purchasing a house fitting that secluded criteria first and see how that goes for you. Another option would be to volunteer your time with someone who has done this before or a company who does this. By volunteering, I mean reaching out to people/companies who do this and ask if you can help scope out potential properties for them, find deals that you can send to them, etc. Bottom line, bring them some sort of value and in exchange see if you can pick their brain on how they got started, their processes, etc. You never know, maybe you'll end up partnering with them :) You can even do this in the market you're currently living in. The process of getting permits, working with engineers/architects and so on is probably similar, the only thing that would be different are the actual codes themselves. Does that make sense?
I don't think there will ever be a "perfect" market. I think markets that rely heavily on tourism would do well with something like this. This is how I think of it...Orlando for example, people go there because they want to experience Disney and the various theme parks surrounding that area. People go there for EXPERIENCES. If you go on airbnb and search Orlando or Kissimmee you will find some pretty unique places. If you take your concept of building tiny homes/cabins and focus on creating a unique experience for your guest, then the market itself doesn't matter that much (I mean you don't want to build these in markets where no one visits haha). Joshua Tree is another example...people usually go there for the national park, but if you look at the places to stay there, each one is so unique and cool...you can have so many different experiences there by simply picking a different place to stay. They also have a bunch of tiny homes there! Always ask yourself how you can make your place stand out from the rest. The Robuilt and Real Estate Robinsons YouTube channels are pretty cool and somewhat in this space, check them out if you haven't already.
Good Luck!
