The total profit in a DST consists of Yield (typically 5-10% annual), appreciation (typically a few % annually), and principal paydown (often 3-4% annually after any interest-only period). 

He also loves photography and consistently uses that for the business.As advised in above comments, continue with your passions, but keep in mind that you will have to systematize the process to teach someone else to do it.

Also paint the Visual exterior sides a consistent light color to reflect the sun.

Real estate is not EASY money by any means, however, with consistency and tough skin you can become successful down the line. 

I make this clear in my initial listing and on my application info so the applicants don't apply for a house they won't qualify for.Like the others have mentioned, having a consistent process/checklist for every applicant so that you treat them all the same is critical. 

Is this consistent with what everyone else is seeing?

If it’s an item that can’t reasonably be bid as a lump sum, then agree to a time and materials type deal where you track the time associated with the work multiplied by the rate and added to the material cost. 

Boulder was one of the most resilient markets in the last downturn 2008-2010 (we kept appreciating at 2-3% during that time when values dropped by half in other markets), and we’re considered a safe bet in terms of consistent appreciation (values haven’t gone down in a single year here since 1983 and annual average appreciation has been 6% consistently over the past 40 years).

I remember just recently I looked at the inventory in Windsor Hills and there were only a few townhomes available whereas the year prior there were 12-16 consistently. 

Just have to be prepared and consistent in looking for the right property.