Thanks Rich, I was planning on hitting up a local REIA group will check them out- thanks for the lead.I've skimped on the full details of my experience base, I also worked a summer in school with a commercial general contractor, that was early in adulthood and I knew nothing but learned so much.I'm very comfortable with my knowledge of design and construction, most importantly knowing that there is so much left to learn.I'm looking forward to working on projects where I am actually the client, designer builder and project manager, and then being a fair landlord is actually such a powerful motivator.I personally believe there is a service element to real estate investment if done a certain way, providing needed housing that is built to a standard really helps people.

How do you communicate to your contractors what you want in terms of design ,materials, etc. 

According to NAR, Open Houses (for buyers) sell approximately 6% of homes that conduct them.So far as Open Houses for Brokers, I agree with @Derek Hamilton, but with a twist - only if the property is more "one-off" in terms of design or style typical to your area. 

I've been seeing a lot of design and planning in the Norris square and west kensington corridors.

I closed my account due to conflicts at work and the pressure of designing, implementing, and managing the PPP loan origination process.

We are in the process of designing a new apartment building in upper Midwest where we have snowy winters and hot humid summers. 

@Sam C. if you're still reading this far, I appreciate you chiming in, but I'm well capable of designing and working my business plan. 

I think in terms of design we will see 'modern minimallism' with an industrial twist (metals, light fixtures etc) emerge in more urban areas.

I am an Electrical Engineer, and after years of design I made a move to Business Development within the same company.

I vote for the third one - although I could be swayed a bit by that photo having the highest quality tile in it :)Assume you're using the same tile regardless of design?