As for other advice, be patient and stay committed to your vision.

It really helps to go on a vision quest.

Based on the questions you had asked my best piece of advice to you would be to set up some simple goals and outline your vision of what you want from REI.

...back then anyone who said anything contrary to my visions was just another dream squasher...OK...so I won't give up (or jump on) that easily...but my takeaway is full-time gig at best....and you're implying that maybe I shouldn't quit my engineering day job just yet to become an independent loan originator...good advice...

If you believe in it, have a vision and a plan you can achieve it.

I also would like to run through how they envision the plan with different properties, as you go along as an owner, you want to make sure you have the same vision as your manager and what they want to do with their deals. 

Here in so cal, Spanish Med is very popular and brings top prices typically, so if you have something that has that start or can be changed, designing with that look and features is the way to go.Interior flow is also important, open floor plans (sometimes you have to have the vision to create this out of a poor or non open floor plan) are key in high end homes as are modern finishes.

Plan layout is a just part of it but a good architect will look at the big picture...zoning, setbacks, natural light, wind direction, building context, cost, etc...and pull it together into a wholistic vision in a step by step process.As far as plans or layout, it should be reasonable for what to expect in your particular market

Once you’ve found ways to create value, next you must create a well thought out business plan that lays out your value creation vision.

My vision may be somewhat similar to yours, and I will be either building a larger "lodge" central gathering home on the property.