For background, I'm partnered with an architect and interior designer, but I'd have to find most of the subs as I don't have any formal connections (at least in the area I'd like to build).

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

Since I'm taking such a cash hit, I asked the sellers agent if they would be able to designate some portion of the sale price ($200k?)

Second, in terms of asset protection, LLCs are not invincible, but I think what many don’t understand is that they are not designed to completely shield your assets from liabilities, on the contrary they are designed to contain and isolate liabilities.

Also you could start with local Plan-printing companies as they're always printing plan sets for architects and designers before they go to county and after the county comes back with changes.

They claim to market on dozens of online channels, and they seem to know the right amenities to feature, have great design, services, experiences etc.

We have the full gambit from 1) finding and buying the right property in the right locations to 2) professional execution of the design to 3) discounted property management services.  

If you can design something like that and hit those rental numbers than you're going to be very, very happy with the investment. 

Hi, you seem like a potentially good candidate for DSCR Loans, a loan product that was essentially designed for exactly this - investors that want to build a portfolio relatively quickly and not be slowed down by DTI requirements or other hassles from conventional options.Would be glad to help, also check out this 12-part series published here on BP on everything you would ever want to know on this loan option!

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