@Mason Goold For financial planning, look to get the CFP designation and work for a company that is fee only. 

Do you think as I start seeing steady commission upgrading at least a few suits, shoes and watches to nicer designer brands and maybe getting a nicer car actually contribute to a pay raise?

My name is Charles Alexander and I'm a mechanical engineer currently living in Seattle, WA where I design automated aerospace manufacturing equipment.

We have commercial property (land) in Southern Arizona that has been designated in the "Opportunity Zone".The opportunity zone funds is a great investment vehicle for long term investors---but how do we put a increase in "value" on the property?

Look up the zoning designation. 

I have already designed and have the mailers in hand.

If the policy is not designed properly, the income will be lower. 

Are real estate designations worth the time and money?

Our cottage is not a generic space solely designed for renting out - we picked out everything in it because we loved it, and nothing in it is particularly expensive (all our art and a number of other pieces are flea market finds and anything precious is locked up in the owner's closet for our use) - but I have sometimes struggled to remind myself over the years that these guests are paying down our mortgage and the things they have damaged can be replaced.

I admit to being a terrible designer.