Hi Pippa,I also recently bought my rownhouse in DC and my partner and are kind of in the same boat (full disclosure: I'm an architect) Our strategy was to develop a vision and drawings, figure out what we could do ourselves and hire a contractor for work we didnt feel confident carrying out ourselves.

Then we structure a draw set up related to the scope of work.

Good job drawing out exactly what they're looking for as this leads to great opportunities...If I were you, I would meet/have a call again with them, ask them to explain the best case scenario and build something around that. + pencil your numbers from that scenario.   

It's free and usually draws 75 or so people.

At least for us, the main draw was the mountains and cheaper living than where we came from.

Tenants can draw the process out with numerous delays and it is not uncommon for a tenant to live rent free for 3-6 months before the sheriff can do a physical eviction.

There's definitely a draw for Architects to find ways to bring their passion to the investing industry.

Get an architect to draw up your plans.

Hire a lawyer to draw up your partnership agreement. 

An attorney can draw that up pretty easily.