However, after consulting w/ an interior designer (my cousin) and fixing it up I was able to charge 65% of my rent.

I have owned several vacation rentals in Spain for many years well before the current trend in the U.S.  

I myself am somewhat of a numbers guy so ideally someone who has an eye for the modern day design choices (while keeping budget in mind).I just arrived to Columbus this evening so would love to meet folks this week while I'm here.

Once built (about a year), I will have two units pulling in easily 2k/m on a loan thats about 2500/m (giver take since I'm guessing since I havent designed it yet).

Or is the general trend that more people/institutions are getting into investing lately?

We already got their conditional approval in writing, pending the design plans and actual application, of course, but the only requirement in the application we must meet is setback requirements to be approved (which we know we will) so basically we have the green-light from the city to move forward.

Here it is: We currently own a 2 family home of 2000 sq. ft and we are going to finish the attic BUT we are not sure if we should designate it with the Zoning dept. as an office space or a bedroom.

It may give you quick insight into general value (or value trends), but can be highly misleading in individual deals.

Maybe buying cheap from distressed sellers and turning to airbnb for cashflow until the trend goes back up again?

The VA loan is a great tool but it is self limiting by design.