Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

We are going to paint the whole interior (~$1.5k), refinishing kitchen cabinets (~$1k), updating 2.5 bathrooms (~$3k), and lighting (~$1k).

Things pertaining to the individual unit such as HVAC, water heater, anything interior would be the individuals responsibility. 

@Michael Plaks explain what you mean that a full time W2 employee who is a professional athlete can t qualify as having pro RE designation?

Thinking there may be a market for short term rental as a farm stay in an interesting space if designed correctly and not too terribly far outside of town, but I need to educate myself on str for this specific area on the outskirts.  

My question is, being my first investment home, should I bother with hiring some kind of designer to help with the material choices/colors/styles/etc or keep with the contractor and work toward a plan and scope of work that way?

After 3 months of fruitless negotiations with this person, buyout offers, debt forgiveness, appealing to ethics, etc. we had two moves on the chessboard left.Meanwhile in the bat cave....the string tenant had decided to move their belongings into each of the 5 bedrooms, install their own interior security cameras, fill up the garage and office with their cars and mechanics equipment.  

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

I'm bringing the deal, which I've carefully analyzed and managing the whole process from purchasing, furnishing, designing, managing, etc (this is for a short term rental) If I didn't need them to take out the loan I would just do a pay back monthly with a 5 year balloon after cashing out equity from the house.  

Would you ever consider that property without looking at the interior for any damage or problems?