Only advice I can give, would be to try to figure out a strategy that suits your investing style.

Cost will run from about $1.00 - $3.00 Per SF, dependent upon the thickness and style you choose.

If you truly don't want to make any kinds of decisions, chances are good that you can sit on appreciation for a few years and you'll cashflow then, although I'm sure people said that in 2007 too (for the record I don't think we're in a 2007-style bubble because the rules have changed, but who knows if there's a new thing we haven't considered). 

@Bob HardmanAgreed with the other comments on here; I will add that townhouse style get much more interest than up/down.

The management companies seem to charge a lot for airbnb style properties, do you see this being worth it?  

Then you need to compare location - traffic, neighbors, use, and style...

Unfortunately, I don't think I meet your standards as I truly don't appreciate the Hef's decor style.

Is this how I get a seat at the table, Wall-Street style?

Ohana (mother-in-law style) studio units are extremely common and it is common practice to live in the main house and rent the ohana (short or long term).  

In Washington state N of Seattle the install is very typically $2/sq ft. the price of the product is what you decide for quality and style.