I also have a retired developer that has developed and built big (70 units+) apartment complexes that has said he would mentor me if I undertake this.

Trucks with fancy graphics and without a scratch or a ding inside the bed is a bad sign. 

Does this knowledge blind spot suggest a lack of respect for what they are attempting to undertake?

I suspect you'll gain a lot of valuable experience from that.A ground-up build or demo and build is a pretty big undertaking for a novice.You might see if you can find an experienced investor to split the deal with.  

The implementation creates the real world and shows how much of a beast such an undertaking would be.I just do not see it as realistic.

Aside from that I enjoy reading up on the financial markets and graphics design.

For immediate "ease" and graphics - I prefer Zillow.

I would venture a guess that for these two terms above, sell my house nj and sell my house fast nj, you're getting way less than 10% of the search volume state in that graphic location.

I've run a couple small scale side businesses, and I flipped my house last year, and I know all the numbers of every project I undertake in excruciating detail.

However, you might run into some issues:  For example, if you were a graphic artist (straight W-2 employee) the underwriter could certainly understand the idea that you can work from home.