There are many similar houses in market for rental in the same community.House B:Price: $238kSize: 1564 sqftPotential Rental: $1700 - $18503 bedrooms and 2 bathroomsPlus point: Good design, House was already upgraded with $25k of designer appliances / sprinklers system and other premium options like Patio etc.

My interest in development stems from my desire to have a more holistic understanding of design/building/living that I think would have to start at a more personal and human scale.

I think an extra set of designer eyes may be needed in that area.  

Can the cost of design, permitting, insurance, construction, etc. be such that you can still cash flow with the rents your area can demand?

I am looking for the classic 'fixer upper' due to my father being in the carpenters union so I obtained general knowledge of design and construction (I also had a short 'career' with the union so I find this as only beneficial).

So I can certainly understand the question about the value of design in development.

Maybe they have another buyer wanting that type of design.

In case you're an architect, nobody has anything against architects, but sometimes projects just can't support that high of a level of design.

Does the cost of designing, and adhering to historic guidelines outweigh the tax credit benefits.

They do custom sizes and a have variety of designs designed for various wind/snow loads.