I use a very non scientific $20 per foot for furnishing which includes a designer. 

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

I also quite liked the unique property design.

What will be your finance mechanism?  

So I'll tell you now in case there's still time to do something about it:The problem I still have, that I can't solve (but maybe you still have time), has to do with the HVAC system.When you have a single house, and you're renting out the basement, you are asking the house to do what it is typically not designed to do in terms of the HVAC:  1.

Septic design.

Septic design.

So I am assuming that all the loan statements are coming to the new designated mailing address.

I’m also in DFW and interested in doing a hybrid of owner/builder after the mechanical phase.

If you can design the layout to maximize rental income, it could pay off in the long run.- Learning Opportunity: Having your friend as a general contractor at a discounted rate is a fantastic opportunity.