One option might be to pre-market to local real estate agents - if you can line up a buyer interested in a pool, they can have a custom pool.  

I proudly claimed your "poorer" label, but the uneducated I can't claim I have a Master's degree.I wanted to make an income right from the start instead of doing it for a hobby while I kept my day job to pay the bills.Your post does ring with bitterness, but on one note we agree; I would never touch a 2% deal.

I think it is more important to do things formal and according to custom when a family member is involved.  

Essentially we go through the design process with customers and come up with plans that fit their needs.

I've been building custom homes for the last 5 years.

I feel like all they do is regurgitate the same information to every customer.

Since I'm the paying customer, I say put up or shut up.  

I used to build custom homes.

Great work and customer service.   

I've been using erentpayment.com for several years, great customer service, all the features I need/want, and only $3 per transaction per month.