I have a property designer pick out all of my furnishings for me as well. 

Analyze yes.whats the pattern, then pick the best

The tire recycling place in Baltimore would take them, but wouldn't send a truck to a residential neighborhood to pick them up.

If the owner wants the vehicle back they can pick it up after paying both the towing and storage fee. 

I don't see Bill Gates crying over they crazy millions upon millions in his tax bill, actually pick your Billionaire or multi-millionaire, NONE of them cry or complain on tax exposure, they ALL focus on growing revenues and profits. 

It's unfortunate, but there's few builders and developers on BP as a whole, or at least there's few that participate much in the forums. this is highly regional.but you have a few things going on at once some you can do yourself some you need to hire consultants.1. first and foremost zoning and density allowed on the site.. most places you just dont pick what you want your lot sizes to be there is zoning codes that will determine lot size . 

I would pick mid range models.

If they're a family friend they may let you pick their brain over lunch or coffee, but if it's ongoing, you helping them will teach you a ton.

Could you pick up a property at each one?

The other challenge is using a conventional loan to pick up one.