The 2nd, and this is what I believe to be the big one, is that I have my CFA designation.

We have modified kitchen design and added extra cabinets and Insland etc so that drove higher cost.For us some lesson learned, you want to go much details in contract and this is part where I need to learn and it is not easy to deal with contractors.

Currently we are still at the beginning of the design stage.

Do not assume that a new house will have much lower CapEx than an older home.Most of the new homes in Texas have roofs that you will be very lucky to get 10 years out of.Most of the exterior paint will last less than five years.Most of the garage door springs last less than five years.Most of the garage doors will need major work in less than 10 years.The list goes on and on.Great rule of thumb in Texas is "If the back of the house has siding instead of brick then you are not getting real quality." 

Which kitchen design should I go for?  

It's a two family, 3/1 (is this the proper designation for 3 bdrm/ 1 bath?)

Hello All,I'm a young designer looking ahead at my career and wondering if there is a more profitable path for me outside of the traditional architectural practice.

There are enough tools in the box to be used to accomplish most any out of the box transaction while keeping within general guidelines.I know that's vague, but the more you know about conventional financing the better you can design a seller financed transaction.

Also separate charge for design services.

Sounds to me like a wash on her (extra) designing.