I think it's super cool but I'm having a little trouble completing the puzzle - I know it makes sense, but I'm not quite there.  

They can offer a more hands-off approach while you get your feet wet.

@Mitch DavidsonVery cool!

@Chris Berezansky sounds like a cool project, what is the ask here? 

It's cool to know how to use tools to a do analysis but it has to be utilized properly.I have seen several flippers who have read Rich Dad Poor Dad; had every Performa, chart, analysis package, market analysis reports, cost benefit analysis, work break down structures, IMS and much more and botched every project. 

You can question all you like, but if the unit isn't actually working and you do nothing, that's not cool.

These sorts of shot-crete build homes are more standard than a bale or mud home but are still not standard like a stick built home.Geodesic domes are cool but harder to sell than a standard home.

The most commonly listed minimum is 5.5sqft.6 - Heating and Cooling element.

If they want to severely overpay, cool, but as others have said, the risk of default in this case is probably high 98th percentile. 

Getting your "feet wet", isn't a learning move, at least not a good one.