After all, are we landlords really the benevolent people you describe as "providing housing," as if we consciously prioritize the service over the profit?

You can check out Lifestyles Unlimited.

Investors, you should always be thinking about your market, their lifestyle and their tastes.

Hey everyone,I live and work in the Bay Area, but look forward to someday relocating to a quieter lifestyle in Oregon.I am really excited to get started in investing and I'm researching Medford, OR area.

About myself:I'm a 31 year old, originally from Germany but now based in Perth, Australia (love the lifestyle).I did my Master in Architecture in Germany and have been working for a developer in Australia for the last 6 years.The property market here is completely overpriced through mining. 

There's nothing wrong with that lifestyle, but if money isn't a priority for you then you shouldn't be surprised when you don't have much of it. 

Home ownership is a lifestyle choice not a investment and is far more expensive than renting.It appears your life style choices are driving your decision making process.

As for the hiring of professionals such as Architects and Designers...some are narcissistic and don't take their client's wishes and lifestyle into account while other times the fault is the micromanagement of the homeowner. 

As you mentioned, the other part of the equation is more individual in nature...our intended lifestyles and what each of us gives up on the W-2 side.  

I mean come on,  most of the people traveling around this area are very into "small" kind of a "hipppie" lifestyle and don't usually travel in large groups.