Durable, low maintenance interior finishes.

I figure if I can get really good at helping people design shared home plans, then maybe I can create a business around it.There’s no pressure or obligation here—this is just an opportunity for me to learn and help. 

The other group making good money have a business designed to get some portion of YOUR money.

Since you're a U.S. citizen living abroad, non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) programs designed for foreign nationals might be an ideal solution for your situation.

Conventional mortgages are designed for individuals to purchase homes, not for businesses.

I have 3 apts and I started out with furnished rentals as I am an Interior Designer. 

.), Designing and Furnishing (amenities, design, theme, linens, etc), and operating (Insurance, Property management or self-management, Tech & Tools, Cleaners & handy people, etc)All of these could be covered depending on who you work with that can cover each topic. 

You'll need to compare apples to apples. 40k seems like a low number to design, furnish and amenitize a competitive short term rental projected to do $100k. 

ROBS designed to invest retirement funds into an active business.

Every county has different requirements, such as minimum square footage for rooms; maximum number of occupants, hallway sizes (If there will be residents in wheelchairs); and safety regulations which are usually different that owner-occupied homes (for example- Interior fire sprinkler systems).  2.