My master’s is in landscape architecture, so I innately CARE about how it looks, probably a bit more than the average joe.

@David TiemannI will assume your properties are in Texas which follow the 2012 Architectural Barriers Texas Accessibility Standard (TAS) and not the Federal 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility Design.https://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/abtas.htmhttps://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htmPlease research the TAS as this requires Review and Inspections by Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS). 

I personally love living in a big urban area and enjoying all of the attributes of it(walkability, mass transit, culture, diversity, incredible restaurant and nightlife options, architecture, pro sports, entertainment), but I realize that's not for everyone.  

I want to be the expert who knows how to figure out the highest and best use of any parcel of land, even the dirtiest, nastiest or most abandoned parcels.I have a masters degree in landscape architecture specializing in ecosystematic design and planning.

The option premium/price would be the implicit architecture fees required for a rezoning project of this scale.

If you are in a tight budget don't forget the permits and architectural drawings will add considerably to the cost along with increases in material and labor, so examine all the numbers and consider markets outside of California if you want CF.

I'm in a similar situation to you but without kids, and I'd LOVE to have your background in architecture and design. 

I love architecture and the economic factors involved in it.

That's also why it's used a prefix in English in words like "pantheism" and "panorama."

I am an avid architectural history buff with focus on the Arts and Crafts period from the early 20th century.